Jerry Summers: Clarence L. Brown – UTKs Movie Producer And Director Monday, June 7, 2021 - by Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers
One of the most famous personalities in Hollywood but relatively unknown in Tennessee is the late gentleman by the name of Clarence Leon Brown (1890-1987). Until recently he was also the largest financial contributor to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville having left a $12 million bequest at his death in 1987, contingent on the death of his fourth wife, Marian Spies.
Brown was born in Clinton, Massachusetts and at the age of 12 moved to Knoxville. After graduating from UTK with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, he initially worked for the Stevens-Duryea Automotive Company before forming the Brown Motor Car Company in Alabama. He then traveled to Fort Lee, New Jersey to serve as an assistant in the motion picture industry to French director Maurice Tourneur at the Peerless Studio in 1913.
Big Joe Fitz
As these April showers continue to prep us for those May flowers, a transitional spring mix of virtual and in-real-life events continues to bloom all around us.
Unison Arts Reopens for New Season | April 16
Let’s hear it for first and safe steps. New Paltz’s integral Unison Arts center recently announced its return to in-person events programming this month. The 2021 season kicks off with a limited-attendance (30 guests), Unison members-only indoor concert by local blues kings Big Joe Fitz and the Lo-Fi’s on April 16 at 7pm; a members-only Chilean wines tasting takes place on April 17. From there, Unison’s outdoor stage begins welcoming public audiences (60 persons maximum; advance ticket purchase required), commencing with a swing dance featuring the Bernstein Bard Trio on April 24 at 5pm. Tickets are $15.