The MR. and MISS U.S.A. Contest

by Lewis A Pike, D. C.

JOHN GRIMEK remains supreme ! He proved this against the toughest competition ever encountered in a national physique contest, when he won the coveted "Mr. U.S.A.-1949" title on March 26th in packed Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. In winning the second annual Mr. U.S.A. contest, Grimek had to dethrone the '48 Mr. U.S.A. - Clancy Ross and also beat out former Mr. America's.

Once again physical educators Bert Goodrich and Vic Tanny combined money and hard efforts to sponsor this show of physique shows. I know the two spent many perspiring hours before the contest to get together an entertaining, diversified show. Their efforts wre meritorious because the 1949 Mr. U.S.A. contest and show proved to be the best variety strength and health show ever staged in these parts. As the result of Goodrich's and his partner Tanny's activities, the contest got more newspaper publicity than heretofore given such sports.

The large crowd that filled spacious Shrine Auditorium were greeted by Wally Webb's 21 piece orchestra. Their tuneful overture music of popular and musical comedy hits gave the theatre more of a Broadway hit show atmosphere than a strength and health show. Film and stage comedian Danny Beck was the first to take the spotlight when the curtain went up on the 1949 Mr. U.S.A. contest and strength show.

But the mood changed to a more serious and attentive one as the famous motion picture stunt man George Suzanne came on the stage to perform his spectacular barrel jumping act. In the theatrical field for more than 20 years, Suzanne is outstanding in his skill of jumping over four regular sized barrels into a fifth and then somersaulting out of same. He held the crowd spellbound when he blindfolded himself and then jumped his way in and out of two barrels, followed by a 5 feet high jump onto a table on which was another barrel into which his jumped. Then, while still blindfolded, he jumped off the table into a barrel on the stage below out of which he somersaulted. Stuntman Suzanne mad his act appear simple yet perilous. He has jumped out of four-story windows and performed other hazardous feats in doubling on the screen for actors like John Garfield, Claude Rains and Peter Lorre.

After this suspenseful act the audience was able to relax to the hilarious maneuvers of Andy Mayo and Pansy the horse. You may have seen this act in which two people don horse costume and prance about on the stage like a steed for the benefit of a pretty ringmaster. Needless to say, Pansy brought many laughs and the act was in fine contrast to the more strength and health performances which came later in the almost four hour long show.

Handsome Terry Robinson then took over as the second masters of ceremonies of the evening. Terry looks great these days. He's put on more weight and muscle since the days he used to compete in physique contests back east. This young physical educator has done much in helping spastic and paralytic cases with corrective gymnastics and weight training. Terry introduced the interesting bench press contest in which Bob McCune, George Eiferman, Leo Stern and Carlos Sandebar competed.

McCune was first to try his strength with the 250 pound barbell. He pressed it 14 times and just missed doing 15. Muscular Mr. America of 1948 - George Eiferman was next and he used a very wide grip. Though he hesitated at the 15th count, and kept the crowd breathless when he relaxed momentarily at his 18th repetition, George brought down the house when he successfully pressed the bar 20 times. Though a bit fatigued from his effort, he still had time to get some laughs when he put on Leo Stern's tie over his bare torso. Stern, meanwhile, took his place at the bar or I should say under the bar and succeeded with 12 repetitions. The climax of the contest was left up to Carlos Sandebar but he could press the bar but 14 times so likeable George Eiferman took first place and the $50 prize.

Then the remarkable Titans took the spotlight. Dressed in neat Eton jackets and bow ties, the pair looked more like professional dancers than the outstanding hand-to-hand team that they are. Bert Goodrich considers them the best team in the world and few would care to argue about that. The Titans have performed on Broadway and are now with Bob Hope's theatrical troupe. The crowd gave the Titans tremendous applause for their hand to hand routines which ended with a one arm getup of top mounter Al Beck doing a headstand on the extended right hand of bottom man John Ryan.

Wolfcalls sounded through the spacious auditorium as Bob Hoffman assumed the role of master of ceremonies. But the whistles weren't for deepchested Bob but for the lovely lassies who were to participate in the Miss U.S.A. contest. Though usually surrounded by bulging biceps and massive backs, the editor and publisher of S. & H. seemed right at home amongst the curves and sweet perfumes. As he announced each of the 35 contestants, his eyes bulged just as much as all the other males in the audience, when a lovely lassie came out from the curtains and gracefully displayed her figure, as she walked down a large stairway onto the stage. There were more contestants this year than the 1948 Miss U.S.A. affair, and the redheads, brunettes and blondes were harder to judge. Among the judges were Shirley Temple and her husband, Jack Agar; Pretty Allied Artists start Cathy Downs soon to be seen in "Masacre River"; Monogram producer Hal E. Chester, who makes the Joe Palooka fight films; theatrical producers N. T. G., Alfred Leon and Ed Allen, columnist May Mann and pugilist Lou Nova. It took almost an hour for the judges to first pick 20 then 10 and finally 7 before they picked lovely Shirlee Tegge and "Miss U.S.A."

In taking the crown from Val Njord, who won the title in 1948 but failed to defend it this year, Miss Tegge had to outshape contestants from all parts of the country. The new Miss U.S.A. stands 5 feet 6, weighs 121 pounds with a 34 inch bust, 24 inch waistline and 35 inches of hips that must move gracefully to a rhumba. This was her first contest and the dramatic actress of the Hollywood Ben Bard players is soon to make her debut in a Monogram film, Miss Tegge comes from Iron River, Michigan and is an outdoor enthusiast. She loves to horseback, swim, hunt and fish. In second place was brunettish Majorie Knapp. Her 117 pounds for her 5 feet 6 1/2 inches gave the boys something to whistle at. Marika del Mar finished in third place.

Before Bob Hoffman gave up his master of ceremonies chores, he introduced Shirley Temple, her movie husband Jack Agar and former all-American Tommy Harmon. Bob sort of hated to see the girls go and once during the contest he remarked regretfully, "why was I born so soon ?"

With the fair sex out of the way, George Wilcut of the Southern California Weight Lifting Association took over to introduce the last and most important third of the show. Now came the outstanding event of the evening as Siegmund Klein was introduced for his first west coast appearance. I had run into Sig earlier that night and he was quite happy about being here for the Mr. U.S.A. affair. "I've always wanted to come to California," he admitted. "and it's a great place. The people out here have spoiled me. For instance, Pudgy Stockton was one of the nice folks that I met for the first time. I told her I knew just how her gym would look because it would fit her personality and I wasn't disappointed."

Well, the audience that night at the Shrine weren't disappointed in the strength and muscle posing show that Klein put on. In fact, his performance was considered by many as the highlight of the affair. The last time yours truly witnessed Sig's Muscle control demonstration was almost ten years ago. But I can honestly report that he has improved with age. I don't know how he does it but his musculature was more impressive than ever and his control amazing. This outstanding body culturist, who has been featured in Ripley at least 12 times, further astounded the throng with his famous planche on two dumbells, his tearing a deck of cards into quarters, his renowned dumbell drill and an exciting juggling of his duple barbell. Then, the popular strongman did his novel stunt of catching a heavy kettle bell dangling from a chain into a small cup. Sig picked up this stunt from the old strongman Atilla and the former manipulated the heavy kettle bell as though it was a yo-yo. Klein thrilled the 6,500 spectators when he climaxed his act by writing his name on a board while a 35 pound bettle bell dangled from the same hand. He well deserved the ovation he received.

Naturally, he was a bit fatigued from his tough performance and as he ran behind the curtains he muttered, "where's the water! where's the water! I'm bushed. Boy that was a great audience." And as beads of perspiration trickled down his face you could see he was happy about his west coast reception.

While the competitors in the Mr. U.S.A. contest were busy preparing for the contest, national gymnast champion John Robinson and his flexible partner Louis Schneider did their sensational yet amusing high bar act. John Makes a monkey appear slow the way he cavorts on the high bar with giant swings and other routines. This act got one of the biggest applauses of the night.

Another crowd pleaser were the Black Brothers. Their pantomime act got many laughs as the boys tumbled about on the stage in their oversized suits. By then, the hour was late and many were restless for the Mr. U.S.A. contest to begin and they didn't have to wait too long as the Black Brothers left the stage.

Master of Ceremonies George Wilcut then announced that "the greatest physique contest" was about to begin. "We have all the champs with us tongiht and there won't be any doubt as to who has the most outstanding physique when the contest is over." He further mentioned that none of the titles held by the contestants would be mentioned. A minute was allowed each man to pose as he pleased with a three second warning signal given when time was about up. Vic Tanny assisted on the timing while Wilcut announced each competitor.

Among the judges for this ultra-important physique contest were Iron Man Magazine publisher Perry Rader; Dan Haley, President of the S.C.W.A.; Cliff Byers, best arms winner of the 1945 Mr. America contest; adagio dancer Bill Rasche and Don DeMarse. The contest was judged on an eliminative basis rather than points which made it tougher on the judges to reach a decision.

As Wilcut called for contestant Floyd Page, the whole stage was darkened but a top light flooded down over a platform in the center of the stage. It was on this platform that the some 20 opponents took their minute poses. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that the best of body culturists were on display that night. Among the contestants were John Grimek, Clarence Ross, Steve Reeves, George Eiferman, Armand Tanny, Floyd Page, Walt Baptiste, Leo Sterne, Walt Marcyan, Phil Courtois, Ronald Essmaker, Bob McCune, Jimmy Payne, Norman Marks, and so on.

It was Page's powerful back Grimek's amazing arms, Reeves' handsome symmetry, Ross' tremendous shoulders, Eiferman's bulging pecs and Tanny's smooth proportions that brought forth the greatest enthusiasm. Though each candidate had his own following, cheers came from all over the auditorium when Grimek, Ross, Reeves and Eiferman went through their posing. Sig Klein repeatedly ran into the theatre from backstage to get a front glimpse of Grimek and the other boys and I could hear him saying, "great, great, great."

The excitement mounted in the Shrine as the last man completed his pose and all of us were on the edge of our seats wondering whom the judges had picked as the new "Mr. U.S.A." It was past midnight by this time and some of the crowd were anxious to get home. Many had traveled hundreds of miles to see this brilliant contest and had to catch trains, buses and planes. But they had to cool their heels a little while longer because the judges suddenly disappeared. "Maybe, they went out for coffee," suggested Bob Hoffman. It was Wilcut, however, who managed to keep the crowd a bit more patient when he called on Eiferman to do his trumpeting. To the eyes of many onlookers that night, the latter was the most relaxed person in the auditorium.

George Eiferman has a keen sense of humor and though he was as much excited about the decision of the judges, he went on the stage and performed as though nothing else mattered. While he left-handed pressed a 100 pound dumbell, he played "Mighty Like A Rose" on his trumpet. Shades of Jack Benny. At least George has a fine physique to go along with his musical talents.

The minutes trickled by and still no decision. What to do ? It's simple when you have such outstanding men like John Grimek, Clancy Ross and Walt Baptiste backstage. So these swell guys proved that though they aren't in the show world, they still could be fine troupers. And that's what they were. John, Clancy and Walt Baptiste put on their famous muscle posing and control displays that gave the crowd thrill after thrill.

While we all recovered from this display, the tenseness grew greater and the audience began to clamour for the judges. They were still in secret confab so that no one could get to them. Meanwhile, I went backstage to see how the five rivals were feeling. Grimek and Tanny swinging on the high bar with no apparent concern. "I'd like to get some sleep," laughed Grimek. Ross, on the other hand was busy combing his hair as he walked about in his robe and admitted, "I feel fine." Eifermen was still all smiles and joking, "What's up, doc ? he greeted yours truly. "I'm still okay so I can't give you any business." Reeves sat in his quiet manner and chatted with good wishers.

It was handsome Joe Kirkwood, who plays Joe Palooka on the screen and has just finished Monogram's "The Return Bout," who was called upon to present the trophy to Miss U.S.A. Kirkwood, a professional golfer when not in films, is a weight trainer himself and has put on much muscle since he took up iron pills. Usually he goes into an intense barbell schedule before a film. Kirkwood was all smiles as was Miss Tegge when the former presented her with the huge more than 4 feet tall Miss U.S.A. trophy which Goodrich and Tanny donated. She also received a $100 first prize, a lovely bouquet of roses, a 17 jewel watch and a $50 bathing suit. Producer Hal Chester assisted in presenting the $50 prize and bathing suit to second place Jerrier Knapp and the third place $25 and bathing suit to Marika del Mar.

Just as Wilcut had finished introducing Earle Liederman, Sig Klein, Tony Terlazzo, Pudgy and Less Stockton, Mac Bachelor, Bob Hoffman and others, Bert Goodrich came running across the backstage with the judges' decisions. Eyes were strained, ears taut and bodies tensed as Wilcut picked up the paper from Bert's strong hand.

"It's Armand Tanny in fifth place," said Wilcut and the former flashed by me as he went on the stage to cheers. "Mr. America of 1948 - the one and only George Eiferman is fourth place winner," continued Wilcut. For a second I thought Eiferman's smile faded a bit as he walked onto the stage after getting a warm pat on the back from Hoffman. Reeves didn't smile or bat an eye when he was announced in third place. But it was difficult to want to smile when you've trained and trained to win this precious title only to lose out to other men. However, like good sportsmen they gave Clancy Ross a pleasant welcome when he was declared in second place.

Then came the most important announcement as John Grimek was named as the new Mr. U.S.A. His face was bathed in smiles as he muscled his way through backslaps and came on the stage to a generous applause. No doubt this was one of the proudest, if not the proudest, moments of his life. This was the grand climax to the strength and health career of this distinguished body culturist. Few in the history of the iron game have received the fame that his physique has received. Needless to say, thousands upon thousands have looked up to John Grimek as their inspiration and he did not let them down on March 26, 1949. It was back in 1940 that he won the Mr. America title and it was a reflection upon his training nine years later, against even tougher competition, he could still display a physique that was judged the foremost amongst the cream of America's physical culturists.

The lovely Monogram and Allied Artists star, Elyse Knox, whom you have seen in "Black Gold," and as Joe Kirkwood's girlfriend in the Joe Palooka films, presented John Grimek with his more than 4 feet tall trophy. It was announced that as the winner of the Mr. U.S.A. title, Grimek may appear in a further Palooka film. The trophy donated by Goodrich and Tanny was unique amongst physique trophies. Three gold statues of a muscular figure stood atop the award. Bert posed for these figures for the renowned Andrew Anton Tagaris. The trophy was a thing of beauty but too heavy for the charming Miss Knox to put inot Grimek's hands so he lifted it himself. He was happy, too, when she presented him with a $1000 check which Goodrich and Tanny gave to the first place winner. Ross and Reeves likewise received handsome trophies with $250 and $100 checks respectively. Eiferman got $100 while tanny was gifted with $50 for their runner up positions.

The cameraman had a field day as Grimek posed with actress Elyse Knox. "Kiss her, kiss her," someone yelled but John only blushed at the suggestion. Later, he posed with runner ups Ross and Reeve but then got before the cameras with Shirlee Tegge. Grimek as Mr. U.S.A and Miss Tegge as Miss U.S.A. of Physical Culture mad a handsome and healthy looking twosome.

Before I left the backstage I ran into second place winner and the 1948 Mr. U.S.A. Clarence Ross. "How do you feel about the outcome?" I asked. "I'm quite happy about the way it turned out," Ross replied. "Naturally I would have liked to have won and retained the title. However, I feel it's an honor to be second to John Grimek."

Regardless of how some in the audience felt about the judges' decisions, all enjoyed the 1949 Mr. U.S.A. contest and show. Naturally, it's impossible for everyone to agree on the outcome of any contest and discussions about this great affair will continue on into the future. And in spite of the excellence of the 1949 contest, Bert Goodrich and Vic Tanny are already planning an even better one in 1950.

"I feel these annual Mr. U.S.A. contests have done much to popularize the weight game and bodybuilding," Goodrich told me. "There are so many, who come to see our variety strength and health shows, who later start to train. If we can continue to interest more in building better bodies and fostering their well being, we will have accomplished our mission. The Mr. U.S.A. contests serve to show what can be done with proper physical training."

So as the curtain rang down on the entertaining and exciting 1949 Mr. U.S.A. contest, all looked forward to 1950. Because as they say in Brooklyn "wait till next year." Who will be crowned as the top body culturist in 1950 remains to be seen but meanwhile John Grimek remains supreme !

It was a great contest and I am glad I had a part in it. I hope to see many more of them. In reporting the show let me again repeat: the decision of the judges in choosing John Grimek, Associate Editor of Strength and Health Magazine, met with unanimous approval.