Cocoanut Grove Throngs Give Stars Gay Ovation

From The Times: March 1, 1940

The most glamorous of Hollywood's annual functions found a new setting last night of Cocoanut Grove of the Ambassador, which probably has never before been given over to such a serious event.

It was the first time in seven years that the locale of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards banquet had been changed. During that period all the dinners were held at the Biltmore Bowl.

More than 1,700 persons jammed the Grove to capacity.

Results were naturally out of the ordinary. A long procession, which started about 8 p.m. and included many of the leading stars, directors and executives of the films proceded until 9:30. They practically ran the gantlet for a full city block, since the fans foregathered to meet them at the entrance to the hotel, and there was a continuous line of excited and applauding onlookers down the entire entranceway and up in the lobby of the hotel.

Stars Attracted

They watched with eager interest for any special and recognizable sparkler of the cinema and immediately cheered, whistled and clapped their hands.

The banquet attracted stars both new and famous in other years. Laura LaPlante was among those glimpsed in the pageant of arrivals. Norma Shearer appeared with George Raft as is her wont nowdays. Hedy Lamarr arrived with Gene Markey, to whom she is married, and someone in the throng blurted out "Who is that man she's with?"

May Robson Greeted

May Robson was greeted with enthusiasm at practically every step of the way between the files of avid sight-seers. She apparently was one of the favorites.

Significant was the fact that Hattie McDaniel was given tribute of applause when she entered the banquet room. This was before it was known that she had been tendered the palm for the best supporting performance of 1939.

Dinner was called for 8:30, but with most of the guests arriving after 9, proceedings did not mature any earlier than customary at an academy banquet. Nevertheless, Walter Wanger, the president was right on hand, well before the stated hour.

Star Spangled Banner

It was he who made the introductions following the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the orchestra. First, of course, Frank Capra, as the retiring president, presented Wanger.

Keynote of Wanger's speech was the democratic character of the academy. He said he hoped to extend its scope to take recognition of the work done in every creative branch of the industry that the academy should continue to preserve the ideals of the motion-picture industry, should act as the defender against those who assume adversely to criticize the business as a whole, and seek to advance the influence of the films in all parts of the world.