'Dr No' expected to boost Jamaica’s profile
Plans for a Western Hemisphere premiere of the film Dr No in Kingston were described as a major publicity opportunity for Jamaica, with publicity director Meyer Hutner noting that much of the movie was shot on location in the island. Speaking at a cocktail party at the Terra Nova Hotel on January 25, 1963, Hutner said the film’s rising international success could shine a spotlight on Jamaica abroad and strengthen the island’s appeal as a film and tourism destination.
Published Monday, January 28, 1963
Publicity man tells party:
Kingston premiere for Dr No
MR MEYER HUTNER, director of publicity for the feature film Dr No, filmed in Jamaica last year, brought the glamour and excitement of the movie world to the Terra Nova Hotel on Friday night when a cocktail party was given for him by Mr Douglas Graham, managing director of the Palace Amusement Company, and other directors of the company.
Hutner, also publicity manager of the United Artists Corporation, distributors of Dr No, revealed on Friday night the proposed plans for having a Western Hemisphere premiere of the film in Kingston around April or May, to which the stars of the film, Sean Connery and Ursula Andress, and the author of the novel Dr No, Ian Fleming, would be invited.
The Jamaican proposed premiere of Dr No, a film which has already become the second best money-maker in British film history since its opening in London, will provide a great publicity boost for Jamaica, said Mr Hutner, since about two-thirds of the finished film was shot on location in the island.
Guests were met on arrival by Mr Douglas Graham, managing director of Palace Amusement Company, local film distributors with whom Mr Hutner has been discussing plans for the premiere.
Among those present at the party for Mr Hutner, who leaves the island today, were the Hon Ludlow Moody, Mr Abe Issa, Mr and Mrs Lloyd Alberga, Mr V. C. McCormack, Mr and Mrs Russell Lewars, Miss Marguerite Lewars, Mr Stephen Hill, Sir Anthony and Lady Jenkinson, Mr and Mrs Gai Eaton, Mr O. T. Fairclough, and Mr Carey Robinson.
Mr Eric Coverley and his wife, Mrs Louise Bennett-Coverley, Mr and Mrs Calvin Bowen, Mrs Beverly Jenior, Mr Vere Johns, Miss Claire Campbell, Mr and Mrs Richard Kestor, Mr Byron Lee, Mr and Mrs Reggie Paris, Mr and Mrs Eric Abrahams, Dr and Mrs E. J. Valentine, Mr Harold Broadhurst, and Mr Evon Blake.
Also present were various local personalities who acted in the film Dr No: Mr and Mrs Reggie Carter, Mr Louie Blaazer, Mr Willie Foster-Davis, Mr Lester Prendergast and Mr Keith Binns.
Other guests included Mr Peter Richards, Mr Eddie Martin, Mr and Mrs L. C. Bedasse, Miss Janet Lynch, Mr and Mrs V. A. Keene, Mr Philip Young, Mr and Mrs Roy Knight, Mr Roy Lawrence, Mr and Mrs A. V. Rutherford, Miss Sheila Lowe, Mr and Mrs John Colley, Mr Hugh Levy, Mr Norman DaCosta, Mrs Margery Foster-Davis, Mr George Mullin, Mr and Mrs Victor Bailey, Miss Betty Ann Ryter and Miss Gala Rader.
For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.


