FOR MISS UNIVERSE FANS in 1974, that year's telecast must have been a wonderful spectacle to watch. We behold Margie Moran, the reigning Miss Universe from the Philippines, in front of the newly-built Folk Arts Theater in Manila greeting a world-wide TV audience. Inside the theater, Bob Barker's opening remarks inform us that it is Sunday morning at 10 o'clock of July 21st in the Philippines while the live broadcast is simultaneously reaching the Western hemisphere on the evening of July 20. He also comments that this is the first Miss Universe pageant originating from the Far East.

      The sixty-five contestants in their native costumes cast their ballots for Miss Unity (Miss Amity's name in the 1970s) during the traditional Parade of Nations escorted by a military honor guard. Some observations on the parade: Miss Canada is introduced as Miss "Dominion of Canada" while Miss Germany is announced as Miss "West Germany." Only two African delegates are present: Miss Liberia represented her nation, founded by free African-Americans during the early 19th century on the bulge of West Africa, and Miss Senegal introduced herself in French revealing her country's colonial history. Miss Surinam's infectious giggles coerced the congregation in the whole theater to erupt in a collective explosion of mirth. At the conclusion of the parade, Miss Iceland is proclaimed Miss Unity and Margie glides down the runway cradling a glittering scepter and her shoulders are draped in a riotously bright yellow boa.

      The twelve semi-finalists (still in their national costumes) are interviewed by Bob Barker. Miss Australia explains her Hungarian surname and tells us her grandmother lives in Pennsylvania. Miss Finland confesses that a young Filipino man whispered "I love you" to her (in Finnish!) and that her favorite thing about her visit to Florida was meeting Donald Duck. Miss USA complains her dates with boys are chaperoned since her Miss USA crowning. Miss Wales exposes her Welsh countrymen not interested in learning the Welsh language. Miss Aruba demonstrates her psychic tendencies by confiding to Bob that Jerry West (a male judge!) will win the pageant. And Miss Puerto Rico is told by Bob Barker to get some rest after she tells him that she saw her banker-father in San Diego blow a kiss back to her during her on-stage interview in Manila.

      Miss Philippines counters that "boys are boys" when asked the difference between Filipinos and men from other parts of the world. Miss India projects her future as an airline stewardess on account of her father being a senior commander (pilot) for Air India. Miss Colombia, a computer engineer, demonstrates that a computer can be utilized to find Mr. Right. Miss Spain is charmed by prizefighters since her own father is a boxer. Miss Panama plans on using her potential $10,000 cash award to help children in her own country and adds that the prize money would not be enough to spend helping the whole world. And Miss England admits that if she won the first-place prize she would have to spend it all on dog food to feed her two Great Danes and St. Bernard.

      Helen O'Connell, the TV hostess, showcases the Philippines' position on a global map and tells us that the Philippines has the third-highest number of English-speakers in the world. Then she lists the twelve semi-finalists' measurements in the metric system (centimeters) as they model mandarin orange-red Catalina swimsuits. After the evening gown segment, the five finalists are asked to take their places on a high pedestal from which they field a round of questions drawn from cards.

      Margie Moran glides down the runway one last time still cradling her scepter before Bob Barker announces the final placements. Miss Aruba is the fourth runner-up, Miss Colombia the third runner-up, and Miss Finland the second runner-up. Miss Wales rolls her eyes as Bob Barker proclaims her the first runner-up. Miss Spain Amparo Muñoz is named Miss Universe for 1974. The newly-elected Miss Universe is led to a statue of Maria Clara (which symbolizes Filipina womanhood) made out of thousands of Philippine shells. The statue is presented to her by the Philippine tourism minister who embraces and kisses the new queen. As the credits roll, Bob Barker and the minister place Miss Universe 1974 on her throne surrounded by the four runners-up.

by Juan Prado

The 12 Semi-finalists

• AMPARO MUÑOZ, Spain
• KAREN MORRISON, USA
• YASMIN NAGY, Australia
• MAUREEN AVA VIEIRA, Aruba
• ELLA CECILIA ESCANDON, Colombia
• JOHANNA RAUNIO, Finland
• SHAILINI DHOLAKIA, India
• SONIA MARIA STEGE, Puerto Rico
• YASMINE PANAY, Panama
• DORITH JELLINEK, Israel
• HELEN MORGAN, Wales
• KATHLEEN ANDERS, England

Photo courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization

---

2006 CRITICAL BEAUTY. All rights reserved.