KANSAS CITY - This month marks 70 years since the CinemaScope motion picture "Wichita" made its premiere in the city of its namesake.
Multiple sources indicate the premiere took place at the Miller Theatre north of Broadway & Douglas on July 13, 1955.
The Hollywood star of the movie, Joel McCrea, arrived to the screening in a Cadillac convertible with steer horns adorning the car's hood.
A Wyatt Earp memorial plaque was unveiled at the city’s first jail in Wichita’s Cow Town during festivities coincident with the world premiere of the movie.
The title song "Wichita" was sung by Country Music Hall of Famer Tex Ritter, and composed by Hans Salter, a multi-time Oscar-nominee. The lyrics were from Ned Washington, a two-time Oscar-winner.
The movie was mostly filmed in California. In some of the scenes, supposedly taking place in Wichita, Kansas, there are mountains in the background.
"Wichita" was directed by Jacques Tourneur, starring Joel McCrea as Wyatt Earp. The film won a Golden Globe Award for Best Outdoor Drama.
The supporting cast featured Vera Miles (who grew up and had lived in Wichita), Lloyd Bridges, Edgar Buchanan, Peter Graves, and Jack Elam.