Muscle Builder, Vol 9, No 3, Page 11, November 1957
"The Greatest Show On Earth!"
THAT was the consensus of the more than 5,000 enthusiastic viewers of the star-studded Mr. and Miss U.S.A. Contest, presented at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, May 11th, by the American Health Studios and produced by Bert Goodrich.
"Never before and probably never again will so much physique talent and feminine beauty be seen on one stage," was the comment heard on all sides.
Ray Wilson of the American Health Studios and Bert Goodrich have different ideas. To them, this contest was merely the first of 40 nationwide events planned for the coming year and they are certain that they will improve as they go along. If their plans materialize, at long last, the American public will be treated to Broadway type physique, beauty and variety act productions which are bound to popularize body culture to an extent never known in the history of the game.
In the Mr. and Miss U.S.A. affair, no expense and no time was spared to assure a resounding success. No detail was overlooked for the comfort and enjoyment of not only the audience, but the judges, officials and contestants as well.
The last members of the audience had barely settled in their seats when the 21 piece orchestra heralded the start of the extravaganza.
The curtains parted to reveal a million dollars worth of muscle talent lined up on the stage. Ray Schaefer, Dick Dubois, Bob Shealey, Irvin Koszewski, Millard Williamson, Reg Lewis, Sam Loprinzi, Vince Gironda and Timmy Leong were a few of the greats of muscledom present there. Each was trained to trigger-sharp perfection.
Muscles exited and were replaced by beauty. The 21 Miss U.S.A. aspirants lined up next and were applauded as enthusiastically as the males. Each possessed the beauty and the form to grace the crown.
The preliminaries dispensed with, the actual contest posing of the Mr. U.S.A. and the Miss U.S.A. competitors commenced. Each appeared in his or her turn and was judged. A group of contestants made their appearance and then there was a short break in the posing during which a top flight variety act was presented. Then another group appeared followed by another variety act, and so on.
Besides the variety acts, Reg Park, Steve Reeves, George Eiferman and Clancy Ross appeared as guest stars. Al Stephan, John Farbotnik, Jack Lalane, Hollywood's Gordon Scott and dozens of other celebrities were in the audience. It was like opening night at a smash Broadway play and the entire production of the contest was handled in a manner to do justice to a big hit.
The audience solidly enjoyed themselves. The judges were not so lucky. To decide on over-all winners with competition in both the men's and the women's divisions so keen was far from easy.
Said one judge after the final announcements had been made:- "My only regret is that only one champion can be crowned! Each man and each woman here really belongs. Each would be a real credit to the title."
The contestants sensed that the judging would be close. But each felt he had a chance to win. None had entered a contest before in as fabulous shape. The judges took their time, made sure they voted well before their ballots were sealed.
When the scores were tabulated, to Dick Dubois went the winners crown, along with $500 in prize money and a huge trophy. Dick was undoubtably [sic undoubtedly] in the greatest shape of his life, greatly improved over his Mr. America and Mr. Universe showings.
To that amazing newcomer, Reg Lewis, the West Coast's fastest rising star went $250 in cash for his second place spot. A phenomenal Vince Gironda with a body as tanned and hard as hammered bronze was a popular 3rd place and to him went a $100 cash award.
Broad shouldered Millard Williamson captured 4th place while Irvin Koszewski and Timmy Leong hit a dead heat for 5th.
So close was the judging for Most Muscular title that the officials couldn't give an edge to either Ray Schaefer or Bob Shealy. Despite recounts and rechecks the two men remained tied.
We congratulate Dick Dubois as the Mr. U.S.A. 1957. The American Health Studios and Bert Goodrich deserve thanks as well for putting on such a terrific show. The other contestants merit great praise too, for while the best man won, none of them looked humbled in defeat.
In fact, so tense was the drama of the physique event, that when a normally jovial Dick Dubois was asked to say a few words after receiving his winners awards, his voice choked with emotion and all he could say was - God bless you all !"
To Charlene James belongs the title of Miss U.S.A. As her pictures show it could not have happened to a more beautiful or more charming girl. Kathy Smith was 2nd, Linda Williams, 3rd. Fourth place went to Vicky Gibson while Toby Hill and Beverly Montgomery were tied for 5th.
After the event, Ray Wilson of the American Health Studios invited the winners and guests to a party at Hollywood Hills, where movie stars and queens mingled with muscle stars and beauty queens. A good time was had by all.
The photographs accompanying this text bring you the highlights of this great affair. For those who could not make it in person and who would like to obtain a souvenir program filled with news and views of the famous contestants and other perfect men, such a program can be obtained by sending $1.00 to Bob Delmonteque, 66XX Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Calif.
And - if the photos appearing here make you feel that you'd like to see what took place at this wonderful contest ALIVE, films of the contest are available from Independent Newsreel Co., 43XX Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, Calif. Write to them for information about rental.
And so, we bring to dose a report on the most fabulous strength, physique and beauty event of all-time. We hope you enjoyed the highlights as we brought them to you and sincerely suggest that when the American Health Studio and Bert Goodrich announce their next show you make every effort to attend.
- Pretty Charlene James, Miss U.S.A., Ray Wilson, Promoter of the event, and smiling Dick Dubois, Mr. U.S.A. 1957, pose for cameramen after the trophy presentations. This was one of the greatest physique and beauty events of all time.
- A rock-hard Vince Gironda displays his amazing muscularity which won third place in the Mr. U.S.A. show.
- Irvin Koszewski was in the best shape of his life. But -- competition was so keen that the best he could manage was a tie for fifth place.
- That West Coast giant, Millard Williamson, as he appeared under the posing lights. He took fourth place.
- A fabulous Bob Shealey had the audience standing and shouting their approval. He tied for Most Muscular.
- Bert Goodrich addresses audience from the stage at Mr. U.S.A. show. Earle Liederman awaits his turn.
- We've been calling Reg Lewis, "The West Coast's Fastest Rising Star." He proved it in this contest by taking 2nd place.
- After the contest, Ray Wilson, left, invited a group of contestants and guests to a celebration party. You'll recognize Clancy Ross and a bearded Steve Reeves here.
- Here is the line-up of contestants. Millard Williamson is standing front. A million dollars worth of muscle talent is standing on the stage. Read the article for the details about this fabulous Mr. U.S.A. contest.
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