These bits and pieces from the press book were used to advertise the film and create interest among the fans. They were sent to movie theatres so that the owners could buy lobby cards, posters, advertise the film and its stars on radio and in newspapers and even suggested ways to promote the show (such as talent contests, essay contests and other fun ways to encourage the audience to want to attend the film). Unlike the press kits of today (which contain only film synopsis, talent bios and a few b&w 8x10s), these early-day press kits made it easier on the theatre owners to promote a particular film.

The following are excerpts from the press book that speak directly about Bobby Van. Similar pieces appeared throughout for other performers in the film.

No One Can Say Bobby Van Doesn't Suffer for His Art
Audiences watching a dancer in an intricate movie musical routine are seldom aware that the effects are achieved by blood, sweat, tears—and aches!

Take the case of Bobby Van, M-G-M's new dancing star contender, who does a number of original hoofing routines in "Small Town Girl," new Technicolor musical in which he appears on the [theatre inserts their name here] screen with Jane Powell and Farley Granger.

During rehearsals for one routine he twisted his ankle, with a resultant painful limp. During filming of another he banged into a wall and bruised his face. In the execution of a third he fell head-first off a piano!

"HIPPITY HOP"
One of the most unusual choreographies ever to reach the screen was dreamed up by Busby Berkeley and executed by Bobby Van for "Small Town Girl." Referred to as the "Hippity Hop" number, it consists of 8,523 hops, done on both feet—bunny fashion. Jane Powell and Farley Granger co-star in the new picture.

Bobby Van Heads Quartet of New Male Faces in M-G-M's "Small Town Girl"
Dancing Bobby Van leads the quartet of "new faces appearing with Jane Powell and Farley Granger in M-G-M's new Technicolor musical, "Small Town Girl," coming to the [theatre inserts their name here] screen this week.

Other talented young Metro "finds" with supporting roles in the picture are Dean Miller, William Campbell and Jonathan Cott, all of whom have shown their mark in recent pictures and who are high on the list of new Hollywood talent being groomed for stardom.

Bobby Van was first applauded by movie audiences as a guest performer with Debbie Reynolds in "Skirts Ahoy!" which he followed with a role as one of Mario Lanza's soldier buddies in "Because You're Min," a part that offered him a dancing solo. He started in show business with his own band. After supper clubs, radio and television appearances, he scored in such Broadway musicals as "Alive and Kicking," "Red, White and Blue" and "Seventeen."
[article continues with discussion of Miller, Campbell and Cott.]

HIGHLIGHTS
[excerpt]
"Small Town Girl" gives his first big opportunity to the young new-comer, Bobby Van, who appeared previously in two minor roles—as guest star with Debbie Reynolds in "Skirts Ahoy!" and as one of Mario Lanza's soldier buddies in "Because You're Mine." The current film enables him to blossom forth as a full-fledged star with dancing, singing and impersonation entrusted to his many-faceted talents.