PRESIDENT REFUSES TO ACT IN MOVIE AT NAVAL ACADEMY
washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 2, 1925, The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge "objects to appearing in a commercial film" planned to be made at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The President was to hand a 'dummy' diploma to movie actor Ramon Novarro* at the commencement ceremonies held at the Academy.
Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur**, however, will go ahead with the making of the film "without the presence of Mr. Coolidge."
Calvin Coolidge is of the opinion that the presidency should not be used "in any way" for the purposes of advertising.
*Ramon Novarro (1899-1968) was born in Durango, Mexico & began acting in American silent films in 1917 & was the 1st Latin American actor to succeed in Hollywood. RN was a star attraction in movies of the 1920s & early 1930s.
**Curtis Dwight Wilbur (1867-1954) was born in Boonesboro, Iowa & graduated USNA 1888 & admitted to the bar in 1890. CDW served as US Navy Secretary 1924-1929 & as judge of the US Court of Appeals 1929-1945. As Navy Secretary he enlarged & modernized the navy & established a naval air force.
SOURCE
"Coolidge Declines to Be Actor, Wilbur Modifies Movie Plans," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 2, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
