“Show Me 66” documentary to premiere Nov. 10

Show Me 66 excerpt

The Missouri History Museum has been working on a documentary, “Show Me 66: Main Street Through Missouri,” for about a year.

The 90-minute film will premiere at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 in Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis. Admission is free. The directors will host a question-and-answer session after the screening.

Here is the trailer for the promising-looking film:

The museum stated in a news release:

Equal parts travelogue and historical narrative, SHOW ME 66: MAIN STREET THROUGH MISSOURI explores the sights and landscapes found along Route 66 in Missouri, as well as bigger stories from across the decades, including its birth in Springfield, the effects of World War II, its relationship to the Ozarks and St. Louis, its decline to the interstates, and the rediscovery still taking place today.

But the road runs even deeper – SHOW ME 66: MAIN STREET THROUGH MISSOURI tells the stories of the world’s first drive-thru window, the world’s deepest highway cut, the road’s oldest continually operating motel, and its most famous “no-tell motel.” There are in-depth looks at everything from neon signage to the African-American experience on the road.

Directors Andrew Wanko and Eric Wilkinson have traveled to Missouri’s farthest stretches of Route 66, capturing well-known sights and best-kept secrets. SHOW ME 66: MAIN STREET THROUGH MISSOURI is a must-see for anyone interested in Missouri history, American car culture, historic preservation, or the Main Street of America.

Those interviewed in the film include Ted Drewes, Ruth Keenoy, Joe Sonderman and Michael Wallis.

The museum stated in an email it will shop the film to theaters, film festivals and other venues in Missouri. It also will be broadcast on KETC, a public television station in St. Louis, although no date was given.

(Excerpted image from the “Show Me 66” film trailer)

8 thoughts on ““Show Me 66” documentary to premiere Nov. 10

  1. Those of us who are interested in Route 66 and its history, but do not live in Missouri, would also love to be able to watch this movie. How about making it available on DVD for purchase—might put some money in the Museum’s coffers, as well as adding to the banks of literature about this iconic highway.

  2. does anyone know how Route 66 runs thru Conway, Missouri? It seems like Route 66 goes thru the center of Conway from the south Marshfield. But from there I dont see how it goes to the north side of I44. I see Martingale Drive runs north of I44 where there is a Budget Inn Motel there next to the Rocking Chair Restaurant. Is this consider part of Route 66? Is the Budget Inn on Route 66?

    1. The EZ66 Guide for Route 66 Travelers gives detailed directions both eastbound & westbound. Use Hwy CC from Marshfield to Conway, then cross I-44 at Exit 118 to continue on Hwy W (N Outer Rd).

  3. I agree with Nancy Williams Laird – My husband is from SW Missouri, and we’ve driven Rte. 66 several times through there. We’d love to see this entire film sooner than later, or missing it altogether. We have many friends that we’ve driven it with that would have much interest as well. Thanks.

  4. We would LOVE the opportunity to see the movie too, having driven 66 last year. We’re in Melbourne, Australia (with a different DVD region to the US) – an online pay-per-view, perhaps through Google Play, would be fantastic!

  5. I live in Kentucky but have ridden Route 66 several times. Would love to be able to purchase this on DVD. Probably will not be available on my local tv.

  6. Being of the right age and being a past resident of Missouri, I am very interested in the history of route 66. My wife and myself have driven this historic road from LA to St. Louis, but sill need to complete the journey north St. Louis to Chicago. It was fun to take time to see what was off the main road – what was once the original route 66. I hope that I can see this documentary about the route. For those that really want to know, there is a book – ROUTE 66 – The Mother Road by Michael Wallis, It’s a good read.

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