Book, Press - Arthur Hunnicutt, "Devil's Canyon"
Object number2013.005.11
Date1953
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensions18 x 12 in. (45.7 x 30.5 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionA press book for the movie "Devil's Canyon," featuring Gravelly, Arkansas native Arthur Hunnicutt.Arthur Hunnicutt was born on February 17, 1910, in Gravelly, Arkansas. Hunnicutt was an actor who appeared on both stage and screen. Hunnicutt attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now known as the University of Central Arkansas) in Conway. He began his acting career working on Broadway and eventually moved into film work. He acted in over 50 films and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1952 western “The Big Sky.” Hunnicutt died on September 26, 1979.
Press books, also known as press campaign books, were intended to encourage cinema managers to promote the film. Each press book would contain information such as plot synopses, behind the scenes stories and photographs, stills from the film, and information concerning the availability of promotional aids. The “Golden Age” of the press book was from the 1920s to the late 1940s, a time when film-going was at its height and plenty of money was allocated for promotional tools.
A press book for "Devil's Canyon", a film starring Virginia Mayo, Dale Robertson, Stephen McNally, and Arkansas native Arthur Hunnicutt. In the film, ex-marshal Billy Reynolds is sent to state prison for killing two men in self defense. He learns that killer Jessie Gorman, brother of the two men Billy shot, is in the same prison and vows revenge. Complicating matters further, the incarceration of Gorman's girlfriend, Abby, who helps Gorman plan an escape, is unsuccessful in hiding her feelings for Reynolds. Hunnicutt plays the role of Frank Taggert. The press book features a black and white image of the Mayo, Robertson, McNally and Hunnicutt in front of a crowd of people. Mayo is in the foreground reaching out of the frame while Robertson and McNally are engaged in a knife fight behind her. Hunnicutt is positioned to the right of the composition and is holding a rifle. In red text, "Campaign" is situated at the top of the press book and "Special Material for Exhibitors who play this film 2-D" is printed in black text in a white box underneath. A red band spans the bottom of the book and in white text, "Howard Hughes presents Devil's Canyon" is positioned in the center. "From RKO", "Color by Technicolor", and "25 Years of Showmanship" are printed underneath the title. An RKO Radio Pictures logo is situated in the bottom center of the red band.
Status
Not on view
