University of Florida Archives Moving Image Collection

Production number 96

Production title:  1969 Gator Bowl

Production date:  1969

Color / Sound

Total running time:  00:27:50

Derived from 16 mm film. Converted to VHS, DVD, MPEG and DVCAM.

Producer:  Barton Film Company, Jacksonville, Florida

Copyright: Gator Bowl Association. This film cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Association.

Play-by-Play:  Dick Stratton

Commentator:  Walt Dunbar

This promotional film was probably made to advertise the city of Jacksonville and the Silver Anniversary of the Gator Bowl Classic.  The film highlights action between the University of Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers.

The film begins with commentary and visuals of the festivities which took place during the Gator Bowl week 1969.  A president's ball was held which climaxed in the crowning of the Silver Anniversary Queen, Janet Lynne Brooker.  A sailing regatta and a power boat competition which is part of the regatta was held and the sailing vessels and the small power boats are shown.  The Gatorama fireworks display had a heavy emphasis on Americanism with the liberal use of red, white, and blue barrages and examples of these are shown.   Footage of the Gator Bowl Basketball tournament with Florida State University is shown.

The film then continues with scenes and commentary on the Gator Bowl football game.  For the first time in its twenty five year history one of the teams playing, the Tennessee Volunteers, were the champions of the Southeastern Conference.  This would be Doug Dickey's last game as head coach of Tennessee before coming to Florida.  This was also Ray Graves last game as head coach of the Gators. Various dignitaries as Governor Claude Kirk, UF President Stephen C. O'Connell, UT President Andrew Holt, and the Gator Bowl President Norman Harrison are mentioned and appear in the film.  Game action from the first half is shown and then the half time band show takes place.  Doc Severinson from the television "Tonight" show is the featured solo player.  A segment about the city of Jacksonville is interspersed with many favorable comments about and views of the city.  Some of the game action is shown during the second half of the football game and the film concludes with the University of Florida Gators winning 14 to 13.

University of Florida Archives Moving Image Collection Directory