State Theatre, Bay City, was playing "The Iron Major" with Pat O'Brien the night John Woos was accused of slaying Theatre Manager Floyd Ackerman in 1943.
Mid-Michigan" Crimes of the Century"
Focus of Storyteller Trio Tonight
State Theatre to Host New History Program, Was Part of 1943 Robbery-Murder
May 12, 2006
By: Dave Rogers
The 1937 bank robbery in Midland that led to the only execution in the history of the State of Michigan is among crimes and events to be reviewed by "Storytellers" Friday at the State Theatre, Bay City.
The program includes the sensational citizen capture of Hamtramck bandit Anthony Chebatoris by a secret vigilante posse, his jailing in Saginaw, trial in Bay City and execution in Milan federal prison. Another robber was shot dead by vigilante Dr. Frank Hardy, a dentist whose officewas across the street from the bank.
--- Advertisements ---
Police capture of two members of the Bonnie and Clyde Gang of Oklahoma five years earlier in Bay City led to the revelation that bank robbers across the nation were targeting the bi-monthly $75,000 Dow Chemical Co. payroll at the Chemical State Savings Bank.
That event led to a prison break in Texas, a gang crime spree, execution of one of the gang who had been nabbed in Bay City, and eventual police ambush of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The events were featured in a 1967 film, "Bonnie and Clyde," starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.
Attorney David R. Skinner will recount his defense in the life imprisonment appeal of John Woos, alleged slayer of the manager of the State Theatre, then the Bay, in 1943. Woos was freed in 1967 by a jury in Pontiac after 24 years in prison.
The bank where Woos shot Floyd Ackerman to death in a $1,900 robbery also will be highlighted. The bank was headed by legendary Bay City financier James E. Davidson, who in 1931 deposited $1 million to save the bank from closing.
--- Advertisements ---
The "Storytellers" besides Mr. Skinner, a prominent trial lawyer, include Eric Jylha, tv-radio broadcaster, and David Rogers, historian and former newsman. Pictures from the crimes and historic events will be featured along with dramatic depictions of the characters involved by actors.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. presentation are $8 each and are available for advance sale at http://www.statetheatrebaycity.com or at the door. For information contact 989-892-2660. ###