Card, Lobby - Bob Burns, "Our Leading Citizen"
Object number2012.041.01
Date1939
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensions11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionLobby card showing Bob Burns in the film "Our Leading Citizen." The role as a lawyer in the film was one of Burns's few non-comedic roles. Burns was born in Greenwood and grew up in nearby Van Buren.Bob Burns was born on August 2, 1890, in Greenwood, Arkansas, and grew up in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was a musical comedian who starred in radio programs and in movies from 1930 to 1947. He had two radio shows – “The Arkansas Traveler” and “The Bob Burns Show." He appeared in 10 movies. In addition to his work in radio and in movies, he wrote a weekly newspaper column for sixteen years. He was also the inventor of the musical instrument the bazooka, which includes a long pipe and a funnel and that functions as a crude trombone. Burns died February 2, 1956.
In the film, Burns plays an ethical attorney in a small town who ends up fighting corruption. His late law partner's son works with the corrupt business Burns is fighting and the son is in love with Burns's daughter. The movie was made Paramount Pictures.
Movie lobby card for the 1939 film "Our Leading Citizen," starring Arkansas native Bob Burns. The card shows an image of Burns in a brown suit, his hand in a fist. The background image behind Burns is dark blue. "Our Leading Citizen" appears in red letters at the top. "Bob Burns" appears in black font in a yellow circle in the bottom left corner. The rest of the movie credits are listed at the bottom of the card in white lettering against light blue.
Status
Not on view
