Media Credit: Emerson Public Affairs

6/7/05

Friends, students and colleagues of Emerson professor, and children's television icon, Rex Trailer, caught the first public viewing of a new documentary, Rex Trailer's Boomtown, Tuesday at Emerson College.

The film was directed by Michael Bavaro, a New York based filmmaker who grew up watching Trailer's Saturday morning children's show, Boomtown, a show that featured Trailer as a cowboy who would sing, dance, and spend time with children. The movie is scheduled to air on CBS4 (formerly WBZ-TV) on June 18.

Bavaro said he wanted to pay tribute to the star, who was beloved by many when his show aired from 1956 to 1974. "Watching Rex's show was a big part of my childhood growing up," Bavaro said. "I felt that many others would feel the same way."

The film was a collection of rare clips from the show, scattered with commentary and recollections from a variety of loyal fans and celebrities. Among those featured in the film were Tonight Show host Jay Leno, Mayor Thomas Menino, and comedian Steven Wright. Those in the film had plenty to say, according to Bavaro. "We ended up with so much material that we had to extend the length of the DVD," Bavaro said.

Donna Halper, an Emerson adjunct instructor said in the film, "Rex's show had an educational element, as well as an entertaining element. That is very rare these days."

Media Credit: www.rextrailer.com

I can't thank [Bavaro] enough," said Trailer, who noted how difficult it is to find old clips of the show "Our shows were live, so footage is not easy to come by," Trailer said. "My students these days don't believe me when I tell them this, but we didn't have video tapes back then."

"It was like an archeological dig," said Bavaro, who spent two years making the film.

On top of the old clips of the show, the movie featured many classic songs that Trailer performed on his show. In the film, the guest commentators sang along with "The Boomtown Song," the shows main theme song. "Howdy there folks, were glad to meet you, in Boom, Boom, Boomtown." (For a sample of the film and to hear the Boomtown song click here.)

The ever enthused Trailer-wearing his signature cowboy hat and western style shirt-chronicled some of the changes that have occurred since the early days of his show. "Not only were the shows live, but they were three hours long...sometimes even longer. You never see that anymore," Trailer said.

"Students always ask me who wrote the script for Boomtown," Trailer said. "What script? We were on live for three hours at a time...we didn't have a script."

Trailer also commented on how technology has changed over the years, using the equipment at Emerson College as an example. "My students use to always complain about the equipment," Trailer said. "They don't complain anymore...Now they are finding they have better equipment at Emerson, than they do when they get a real job."

The Press Conference took place at the Di Bona Television Studio which was funded by Vin di Bona, a former student of Trailers who went on to produce America's Funniest Home Videos. "[Di Bonas] first job was for Boomtown. Now, thanks to him, all of our equipment is up to date," Trailer said.

Trailer, a Texan, touched on a more serious issue when he discussed the use of guns on his show. While at one time they were featured prominently on his show, Trailer stopped using them after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. "After that I told the kids that I don't like guns anymore."

Trailer admits that he misses performing. "People ask me all the time...do I miss performing," Trailer said. "Of course I miss it."

However, Trailer said he is even fonder of his other job. "Teaching students here at Emerson...that has been the biggest thrill of my life," Trailer said.

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