Orpheum presents ‘It’s a Small World’: A Tribute to Dale Paullin on Feb. 28
For one night only, the IVCCD Orpheum Theater Center will feature the 1950 film, It’s a Small World, starring Marshalltown actor Dale Paullin. Paullin, who used the stage name Paul Dale in all of his movies, will be back on the big screen on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 pm at the Orpheum Movie House.
In It’s a Small World, Paullin plays a little person named Harry Musk who is exploited for his size. The film immerses the viewer into the day-to-day life of a little person that grows from child to adult. Throughout the film, Musk is met with cruelty and insensitivity wherever he goes because of his small stature. Unable to adjust to the "big" world, he falls in with bad company and becomes a criminal. Redemption comes in the form of fellow little person Dolly Burke (Anne Sholter), who convinces Harry to go straight and pursue an honest living as a performer with the Cole Bros. circus.
“This film was shown at the RKO Orpheum Theater in 1950, so it is with great pleasure that we come full circle to present it as a tribute to a swell guy – Dale Paullin, a perfectly proportioned small man who has a lifetime of achievements in the cinema, and as a local favorite as Lenny Lennox and one of the Ranch Boys country western band,” says Pip Gordon, Orpheum Executive Director. “Dale has been featured on Iowa television shows and interviews and has written a book about his life. It is also important to note that we have in our midst a man who suffered all his life as a victim of ridicule and bullies and yet, his demeanor and attitude of life is positive and joyful. Just ask anyone at the Villa Del Sol where he lives! We are honored to have this opportunity to thank and recognize Dale for all the good he has brought to our town and the world.”
Paullin also gained fame in 1950s television as Johnny the page boy in Philip Morris cigarette commercials. "Call for Philip Morris" was the line Paullin and others who played the role would be remembered for in television lore. Paullin was also part of filming in The Wizard of Oz, but his scenes were later cut in post-production.
Paullin, 89, now resides in Villa Del Sol and is looking forward to his 90th birthday in July.
Showtime is at 7 pm and admission is $7. Call 641-844-5919 to reserve your ticket. For more information, go to www.OrpheumCenter.com.
The Orpheum Theater Center is owned and operated by the Iowa Valley Community College District.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dale Paullin as one of ‘The Ranch Boys’ band.