Betty Hutton (born Elizabeth June Thornburg on February 26, 1921 in Battle Creek, Michigan) was an American stage, film and television actress, comedian, dancer and singer. She was raised in Detroit during the Great Depression by a single mother who worked as a bootlegger. She began performing at a young age, entertaining patrons at her mother's speakeasy. She rose to fame in the 1940's after performing on Broadway, and later in 1941 signing a contract with Paramount Pictures. During those years she also recorded numerous singles for Capital Records. Her last feature film was in 1957 with Spring Reunion. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 86.

She starred in the movie 'The Greatest Show on Earth' with Charlton Heston and James Stewart in 1952, which is the feature film at our only scheduled Sunday Matinee this program. The film is an American Drama produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille, and it was shot in Technicolor. Set in the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the film stars Betty Hutton and Cornel Wilde as trapeze artists competing for center ring and Charlton Heston as the circus manager. James Stewart also stars as a mysterious clown who never removes his makeup, and Dorothy Lamour and Gloria Grahame also play supporting roles.

In addition to the actors, the real Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey's Circus' 1951 troupe appears in the film with its complement of 1,400 people, hundred of animals and 60 railroad cars of equipment and tents. The actors learned their circus roles and participated in the acts. The film could almost be described as a lavish documentary style movie, with views into the complex logistics behind big-top circuses. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Story and was nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Director and Best Film Editing. It also won Golden Globe Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Director and Best Motion Picture-Drama.

We will be hosting a free viewing of this movie at the museum as part of our Betty Hutton Film Festival.

Prior to the viewing, we will present a short history presentation on Betty Hutton and the history of the film being presented.

Seating is limited to the first 95 people. Popcorn will be available. This event is free, but donations to the museum are appreciated.