About this collection:

➤ Thomas Burns, Sr. was born on November 20, 1919 and died on January 16, 1989.  He worked for over 50 years at various theaters in Wheeling, and was the manager of the Court Theatre at the time of The Fools’ Parade premiere in Wheeling.  He was also a WW II Army veteran. The Fools’ Parade movie, directed by Andrew McLaglen, was based on a book written by Davis Grubb, a Moundsville, West Virginia native. The movie was filmed entirely in the Moundsville area, and stars Jimmy Stewart, George Kennedy, Kurt Russell and Strother Martin. The collection contains material related to the premiere of The Fools’ Parade movie on June 17, 1971 at the Court Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. Material collected by Thomas Burns consists of advertising agreements, clippings, correspondence, photographs, programs, and other promotional material. The majority of the photographs were taken by Thomas Burns. The collection also contains several older photographs (1920s-1940s) of individuals associated with other Wheeling theatres, such as the Capital Theatre, The Rex Theatre in addition to the Court Theatre.

➤Read more about The Fools' Parade filming and movie premiere:  When Hollywood Came to Moundsville and When Hollywood Came to Wheeling 

➤ Interested in this material? Please use our "Ask an Archivist Form" or call 304-232-0244.

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