Courtesy of San Antonio Light
Police that day described it as the biggest parade to ever take place in San Antonio. Thousands of adoring fans turned out downtown to watch a host of Hollywood performers as they swept through the Alamo City in September, 1943 as part of the 3rd National “Cavalcade of Stars” raising funds for “Uncle Sam’s Back the Attack War Bond Drive “ The trainload of stars were visiting major cities around the country….and the Alamo City was on their itinerary.
Photo: The Judy Garland Experience
They arrived in San Antonio from Dallas aboard their 11 car, red, white and blue train, which was fitted out not only with sleeping areas, but was also equipped with rehearsal rooms, a dance floor and a piano.
Photo: The Judy Garland Experience
The lineup of celebrities included Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, Greer Garson, Betty Hutton, James Cagney, Harpo Marx, Kathryn Grayson, Dick Powell, Judy Garland….and the crowd favorite….Mickey Rooney.
Photo: The parade making its way through the city….San Antonio Light
Some stores closed early so that staff could witness the parade and come face to face with their favorite star.
Photo: Mickey Rooney in the Alamo City……San Antonio Light
Photo: Lucille Ball and an excited escort Pvt Anthony De Foe…UTSA Special Collections
That night, the visiting stars put on a variety show at the Municipal Auditorium for the public and military personnel. Betty Hutton strutted her stuff, despite being laid low with illness before arriving in San Antonio. A youthful Judy Garland belted out two George Gershwin songs, ”Embraceable You” and “The Man I Love.”
Then it was Kathryn Grayson’s turn, followed by Deanna Durbin.
Lucille Ball and Harpo Marx delighted the audience with a poker game skit, and Mickey Rooney didn’t disappoint with his masterful impersonations of Clark Gable and Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt. He also showed everyone how proficient he was behind a drum kit!
Greer Garson wrapped up the show with an appeal “to bring our boys home sooner” and announced that the cavalcade had netted one billion and 76 million dollars so far on their tour.
Then it was off to Randolph to meet some soldiers there, and some of the visiting stars also went on to Brooks to do another meet & greet.
It was a big day ( and night ) in San Antonio, and Hollywood really turned it on for those serving their country.
Photo: San Antonio Light
The stars waved goodbye and hopped aboard their train for the final leg of the grueling 15 city, 21 day, 10,000 mile journey to San Francisco, before winding it up in Los Angeles.
Sources:
San Antonio Light
The Judy Garland Experience
Betty (Hutton ) at War
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