2004 Year in Review

Hometown Movie Star Film Festival

It has been many years since Hollywood films were shown at the Capital Theater on Main Street. The Morrison Historical Society will revive this universal pastime using videos and a big-screen TV during its “Lafe McKee Film Festival,” Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7. The location is Morrison's Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, at the corner of Highways 78 and 30; parking is to the east of the museum.

The old-time, western movie weekend will honor Morrison movie star Lafayette Stocking McKee, who appeared in 329 movies after his 1912 arrival in Hollywood! Apparently, his name was far too long for theater marquees, so he went by the name “Lafe.” The Historical Society is grateful to Ted McKee for the loan of the videos (he is a distant nephew) and to Orville Goodenough for organizing this event.

Saturday, November 6 offers a double feature that begins at 1:00. Jack Hoxie stars in the 1932 film Gold. Lafe McKee portrays Jeff Sellers, a hard-drinking, but mild-mannered, claim jumper. The second feature was made in 1934; it is titled West of the Divide. Lafe is cast as kindly, old Mr. Winters opposite John Wayne and Gabby Hayes. Remember them?

Sunday’s November 7 matinee revives a typical afternoon at the movies. It begins at 1:30 with several “shorts.” These bonus items include a Universal newsreel (circa 1935), Walter Lantz cartoon (Jock and Jill), coming attraction (Boris Karloff starring in The Invisible Ray), and episode two of the serial film, Ghost City (starring Buck Jones and the wonder-horse Silver.) Then, view the 1933 feature film titled Telegraph Trail. Performing with Lafe McKee are Marceline Day, John Wayne, and another wonder-horse, Duke. Where do you think that name originated? Lafe appears throughout the action, which includes romance, Indian raids, and the cavalry riding to the rescue. Will Lafe or John Wayne get the girl? Come and see for yourself!

Lafayette Stocking McKee was born in Morrison in 1872 to Jesse and Lucy McKee. The father operated both a furniture home and funeral parlor, which was common at the time. In Morrison’s Heritage Museum you will see one of the firm’s beautiful tables, built in 1866. Young Lafe played on a local baseball team. He began his acting career here, when he appeared in a couple local theatrical productions. About 1912, he and his wife LuLu moved to Hollywood, where Lafe appeared in 329 films. He retired in 1940 and died in 1959 in Temple City, California.

There is no admission fee for these community-wide, family events, but a donation to Morrison’s Heritage Museum is always appreciated. The popcorn is also free, and western-themed door prizes will add to the fun. You are welcome to attend both days. Costumes are optional, but kindly leave your spurs and weapons at home.

The only warning needed for the “Lafe McKee Film Festival” is to arrive early enough to obtain a seat. Seating in on a first-come, first-served basis. Why not arrive early and stroll through the museum exhibits?

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
October 15, 2004