Birthday Celebrations for Cobourg’s Sweetheart
It was a 150th birthday celebration for a Cobourg born Oscar winning actress on Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Victoria Hall.
One hundred and fifty years ago, Leila Koerber was born in Cobourg.
The girl would grow up to be Marie Dressler who would become an Academy Award winner and the highest grossing movie star in the world for 1932 and 1933.
The celebrations started with Town Crier Mandy Robinson followed by a visit by Marie Dressler herself.
President and Chair of the Marie Dressler Foundation Rick Miller spoke to dignitaries and guests about Dressler arriving on Broadway in the late 1890’s. after honing her operatic and comedic skills.
“Although Marie starred in the first full-length silent comedy “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” in 1914 with a young Charlie Chaplin, her promising silent film career was interrupted by World War 1.”
Miller explained afterward, “no one seemed interested in a “fifties-something aged actor.”
“Marie turned to charity work and became known for her social activism, always looking to help women less fortunate than herself.”
“But Marie was destined to become a movie star.”
“And it happened in 1930, when her friend Frances Marion, the most successful screenwriter in Hollywood, tailored a star-worthy supporting role for her in “anna Christie.”
This film was also Greta Garbo’s first speaking role.
Dressler would make seven movies in 1930 and won the Academy Award for best actress in 1931 for her role in “Min and Bill.”
To this date, Dressler is only one of three Canadian women to achieve that honour.
Over 800 guests attended a birthday party for Dressler 85 years ago during the great depression hosted by Lois B. Mayer, head of MGM Studios.
It was the biggest party Hollywood had seen at that time.
A special radiolink was set up in the Capitol Theatre in Cobourg which is now known as The Dutch Oven.
Miller said to the guests at the Art Gallery, “this afternoon it’s party time!”
A number of guests spoke of the event including Cobourg Mayor Gil Brocanier, and MPP David Piccini along with tributes from MP Kim Rudd and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Conductor Marcus Howard lead the la Jeunesse Choir for a singing of Happy Birthday along with other memorable songs.
“Cobourg has a special connection to Marie Dressler, an exceptional woman who we know is with us here in spirit tonight,” said Miller.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love