Miss Universe 1952
1st Miss Universe pageant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Miss Universe 1952 was the first Miss Universe pageant, held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, on 28 June 1952.[1]
| Miss Universe 1952 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Date | 28 June 1952 |
| Presenters | Bob Russell |
| Venue | Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, United States |
| Entrants | 30 |
| Placements | 10 |
| Debuts |
|
| Winner | Armi Kuusela
|
| Congeniality |
|
At the conclusion of the event, actress Piper Laurie crowned Armi Kuusela of Finland as Miss Universe 1952.[2][3]
Contestants from thirty countries and territories participated in this year's pageant. The pageant was hosted by Bob Russell. The competition featured the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown, which was previously owned by a Russian czar. The crown was said to have 1,535 diamonds, 300 carats, and was valued at $500,000.[4]
Background
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Location and date
After Miss America 1951, Yolande Betbeze refused to pose for a publicity picture wearing a swimsuit from Catalina Swimwear,[5][6] then-Miss Universe executive producer Oliver Reinhardt negotiated in with the officials of Pan American World Airways and Catalina Swimwear to sponsor the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Long Beach, California.[7] The city of Long Beach provided $30,000 USD for the competition to be held from 23 June to 30 June 1952.[8][9]
Selection of participants
Thirty contestants from around the world competed in the competition for the first time.[10] The age requirement in this edition is from eighteen to twenty-eight, where women who are married and have children can also participate.[7] Indrani Rahman of India became the first contestant to be married with children.[11][12]
This policy was changed in 1957 where the participation of women who are married or already have children was prohibited.[13] This policy was then reinstated in 2023.[14][15] One contestant was selected to replace the original dethroned winner.
Replacements
Gladys Rubio, Runner-Up of Miss Uruguay 1952, was appointed to represent Uruguay after the winner, Rosa Adela Prunell, withdrew because her mother wanted to accompany her.[16]
Debuts
This edition saw the debuts of Alaska, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay, Venezuela and the West Germany.[17]
Elisabeth van Proosdij of Holland was set to compete for the first time but withdrew because she was already married during her reign, despite Miss Universe permitting married contestants.[18][19] Leila Teresa Tuma of Syria withdrew due to political tensions in her country.[20] Brazil and the Republic of China were invited but withdrew due to insufficient preparations for national pageants.[7]
Results
Placements
| Placement | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Universe 1952 |
|
| 1st Runner-Up |
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| 2nd Runner-Up |
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| 3rd Runner-Up | |
| 4th Runner-Up |
|
| Top 10[21] |
|
Special awards
| Award | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Miss Amity |
|
| Miss Friendship |
|
| Most Popular Girl in Parade |
|
| Miss Welcome to Long Beach |
|
Contestants
Thirty contestants competed for the title.[22]
