Miss America contestant 1949: "I'll be glad when this is over and I can frown at people if I feel like it. I sometimes feel as if my face is going to crack." From "Reporting" by Lillian Ross.
Faces may crack and hearts will break as the Nation's infatuation with royalty is climaxed by the crowning of a queen-Miss America.
This year's contest is set in a musical fantasy called "Once Upon A Someday." The story, of a little girl's dream of growing up to be Miss America, includes the introduction of the contestants by emcee Bert Parks; the selection of the ten semifinalists; evening gown, swimsuit, and talent competitions; and the crowning of Miss America 1969 by outgoing Queen Debra Dene Barnes.
Songs include: "Somewhere Out There," "Look At Her-Miss America,"
"In Phantasmagorical Phantasy," and the title tune, Alas! Bert Parks probably won't sing "There She Is Miss America." A dispute between the composer and pageant officials had put an end to this pageant tradition.
Judges include Ed McMahon, soprano Licia Albanese and conductor Donald Voorhees. Bess Myerson, Miss America, 1945, is the TV hostess at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
