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Jayne Mansfield being interviewed in Tralee in April 1967.
THEY were different times.
With the 50th anniversary of Jayne Mansfield coming to Tralee back in April 24, 1967, it’s worth revisiting this archive clip from RTE.
The American movie star had her show cancelled after Kerry clergy protested at her proposed appearance at the Mount Brandon Hotel.
A letter from the Bishop of Kerry, sent to all churches, had requested that people do not attend the show.
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The RTÉ’s ‘Newsbeat’ programme visited the town to gauge reaction and to talk to Jayne Mansfield on her arrival.
The clip shows reporter Bill O’Herlihy asking the people of Tralee for their views on Jayne Mansfield’s visit to their town. One man, said; “It doesn’t seem right to my mind bringing an exponent of sex to a Catholic town.” Another woman says that “It is much ado about nothing.”
Just before the arrival of the actress, a statement was issued announcing the cancellation of the show.
Hundreds turned out for her arrival at the hotel clamouring for a view of the actress, despite the Roman Catholic Dean of Kerry appealing to “…the boys and girls of Tralee to dissociate themselves from this attempt to besmirch the name of our town for filthy gain”. Click here to watch the segment.
