IronMan, Vol 15, No 2, Page 16, September 1958
THE eighth annual Mr. Universe contests have been decided and it is still with the approving and exciting cheers of the vaste London Palladium audience echoing in my ears that I now sit down to record the list of events that culminated in these world titles once again crossing the Atlantic.
Let us go back three days to June 9th. Accompanied by my wife, Barbara, I arrived in London in readiness for the long judging we have come to expect for these important titles. After booking in at the hotel we immediately proceeded to the offices of the Health and Strength League to see who had arrived with the foreign contingent, there being many rumours flying around from various competitors staying at the hotel.
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After the usual greetings and scanning of photographs, who should walk in through the door but the 1954 Mr. America, Dick DuBois, whose handsome features caused as much a stir amongst the office girls as did the memorable visit of the famous Steve Reeves. We are also informed that somewhere in London are Clancy Ross, Leo Robert and Mickey Hargitay from across the Atlantic and new faces from such countries as New Zealand, Sweden, Persia, Jamaica, Hong Kong, and in all, representatives of twenty-five different countries.
All famous names, some of whom have only been seen in the pages of magazines, now all gathered together with the one object of capturing the added fame and honour that goes with the title "Mr. Universe." The judges' task will surely be an enviable one tomorrow, as each champion must surely be perfect in his own right. Be that as it may, enquiries confirm that all London's leading gyms are packed with stars sweating through last minute workouts that they hope will give them the edge on their opponents.
Early to bed for much needed rest, and early next morning a special coach is awaiting to transport all competitors to the plush and exclusive Carlton Rooms which have been booked for the judging. There, beneath the arch lamps, to the accompanying swirl of newsreel cameras and rapid shutter clicks of still cameraman, the international panel of eight judges commence their task.
The air is pregnant with excitement as famous names are called upon to show their physiques to best advantage on the posing rostrum. Noticeable is the nervousness of DuBois, the calmness of Ross, as each awaits his turn, but once upon the platform, each coolly and effortlessly moves from one pose of muscular might to another.
The glistening skins of our coloured entrants show startling contrast to the paler complexions of the English lads, but regardless of colour, class or height, all are truly world champions and worthy of representing their countries. Professionals are judged first, and after being adjudicated, separated in two height classes, they form one lineup of muscular might before the judges, so that each may be compared with the other and the title of Professional Mr. Universe decided.
Following immediately after this the class 3 section of the amateurs is judged before a quick break for lunch is made. This over, once again the task begins and it is with wonderment that the favoured few spectators gaze in awe first at the class 2 competitors and then at the 'big' boys over 6' in class 1. Here we wonder how the judges are going to separate the smoothness of DuBois' shape from the definition of Hargitay and the bulk of Britain's Lees. Of course we all make our own speculations and the voting seems pretty even but the important decision will not be disclosed until the following day. In this class also looking in terrific shape we have England's Gerry Crampton and a sure future winner of this title, Henry Downs from Jersey, both of whom have been making rapid progress during the last year.
Final judging of the day is for sub-division titles. For this the 42 amateur contestants form one continuous line, so that a fair comparison of proportions may be made, while the judges move from one contestant to another in order to closely scrutinize the arms, legs, back, chest and abdominals.
Every year, after the suspense of the judging is finally completed, all contestants, judges and officials attend the annual Mr. Universe Reunion dinner. This year was no exception and amongst the most warming speeches of the evening were the one gives on behalf of N.A.B.B.A. by England's Reg Park and the overseas contestants speech so sincerely made by Clancy Ross.
Saturday afternoon June 11th finally came and after leaving the Palladium for lunch after the morning rehearsal so essential for the smooth running of this mammoth show, comes the task of fighting one's way back to the stage door through the beseiging army of fans.
Finally the show is in full swing and the audience of the world's most famous variety theatre cheer and applaud as physique after physique appears under the skillfully prepared spotlamps. First the professionals, some with reputations at stake; but each in his own way and inimitable style drawing forth merited acclaim.
Class winners are announced: Winner of class 2 is Canada's Leo Robert. Winner of Class 1 America's Clancy Ross. Now the big moment has arrived. Mr. Universe 1951, Reg Park, stands with the silver official Mr. Universe statuette in his arms waiting to present this to the ultimate winner. After what seems an eternity, Neville A. Powley, sports broadcaster approaches the microphone, "And now ladies and gentlemen, Professional Mr. Universe for 1955 is . . . Leo Robert of Canada."
Robert, the smallest man to win this title, once again mounts the rostrum amidst the great ovation and even though the crowd yells for more poses, Leo seems just dazed and only waves. A victory indeed.
The show goes on and intermittent with other acts we see the amateur competitors. The standard is high, as must be the temperatures of the people sitting in the vast, packed auditorium on this sunny afternoon.
The last item of the day, the announcement of the class winners, arrives. Class three winner is Paul An of S. Vietnam. Class two winner is John Penman of New Zealand. Class one winner is Mickey Hargitay of America, with a game but disappointed Dick Dubois taking second place.
With the press photographers awaiting back stage to rush the news all over the world, once again Neville Powley breaks the ever tightening suspense: "And finally, Amateur Mr. Universe for 1955 . . . Mickey Hargitay of America." The Palladium must never have realized a more enthusiastic audience for any of its world famous variety turns as was the roar which greeted this announcement. Then petite English Film Star Vera Day stepped forward to present the winning trophy and receive a kiss from the new Mr. Universe.
The smiling, laughing, and even crying, Mickey Hargitay, then mounted the rostrum and in order to subside the shouts of the audience, received the microphone from Powley. The speech of thanks brought many tears, as all joined in the triumph of this likable American who had won the hearts of all with his cheery smile and modest manner.
A befitting climax to a week end of thrills and surprises -- and as the curtain fell after the grand finale we knew that the Mr. Universe crowns for 1955 rested on the heads of two athletes who would be a credit to our sport of bodybuilding.
- In the photos at top of page we have Leo Robert as he won the Mr. Universe title for the professional class, and in the center is Clarence Ross, who had gone down to a very low bodyweight before leaving this country, then found himself losing still more while he was in England, which placed his weight at about 185 which was too light for him. Hargitay, on the right, was the winner in the Amateur class. Below we have the classification winners in the Amateur Mr. Universe. On the left is Paul An of S. Vietnam, winner of class 3. In the middle is Mickey Hargitay of USA, the class 1 winner and the overall winner. On the right Is John Penman of New Zealand who won class 2. Photos by Phil Mercer.
- Below is a fine photo of Leo Robert by Health and Strength, courtesy of Ben Weider. Above is Mickey Hargitay with his trophy, taken by Arax of Paris.
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