The February 17, 1948 premiere of “Adventures of Casanova” at the Bruin Theater in Westwood attracted a huge crowd of movie fans, which is surprising because it wasn’t released by a major studio, nor did it boast any big stars. I guess the producers hired a very good publicity person. Or maybe those moviegoers thought the lead was played by Errol Flynn.
** UPDATE ** – Christopher S says: “Arturo de Cordova was a major star in the Spanish speaking world. A large percentage of LA’s population would have known who he was.”
I was also told that Lucille Bremer, who was the female lead in that movie, was the mistress of big-time movie producer, Arthur Freed, so he might have had a hand in coordinating the publicity and launch of this movie.
The Bruin Theater is still around, as is its neighbor the Fox Westwood Village Theater with its striking tower. This image is from November 2021.
Lucille Bremmer was the mistress of producer Arthur Freed. I suspect he gave the movie a big premiere to showcase her.
Ah, well, in that case, the mystery is solved. Thanks, Kevin!