Here's a great video gem - the full broadcast of the Miss Universe 1965 pageant held at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida on July 24, 1965. I have never seen this video before and I am just simply amazed by the sheer elegance and classiness of the entire production - something that has been missing since former MUO president Harold Glasser stepped down in 1986. ![]() |
| APASRA HONGSAKULA FLASHES HER WINNING SMILE |
The video is fascinating for several reasons. First, we see how stage projection, runway walk and posing have evolved since then. Every girl looked so "stiff" on stage, but what we think as stiff today was actually the standard for grace and elegance in those days.
Second, the eventual winner,
Apasra Hongsakula of Thailand, expected for Miss USA
Sue Ann Downey to win (notice Apasra's puzzled look after USA was called as second runner-up). Her reaction changes from puzzlement to total surprise when she was declared the winner, and since she did not speak or understand English very well, she didn't realize that she had won over Finland's
Virpi Miettinen. Third, we learn that the announcer mentions 18-year-old Apasra's height: 5'4" - which officially makes her as the shortest Miss Universe from the 1960s - and not the 1969 winner
Gloria Diaz who is 5'5".
Fourth, there was a "Parade of Friendship" when the girls were riding on floats waving to the public; later we would see this parade changed to "Parade of Nations" on the telecast.
Fifth, a mini-pageant called Miss Little Universe was held and won by Miss Little USA (how endearing to see the Miss Universe contestants playing Big Sisters and escorting their Little Sisters during the Miss Little Universe pageant!)
And Sixth, contrary to the popular notion that the Miss World pageant introduced the "Dances of the World" segment when
Julia Morley took over the pageant in 2001, Miss Universe actually had its delegates dance to their national costumes during a dress rehearsal.
WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE![]() |
| Contestants receive their swimsuits from Catalina, the official swimsuit sponsor |
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| Outgoing Miss Universe Corinna Tsopie of Greece waves to the crowd during the Parade of Friendship |
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| Miss Israel Aliza Sedeh is interviewed by judge Gladys Zender, Miss Universe 1957 from Peru |
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| The Monte Carlo was one of three official host hotels |
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| The contestants lounge by the pool at the Monte Carlo Hotel |
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| The marquee outside the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida |
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| The elegant and beautiful stage of the finals |
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| Karen Raguianti of Memphis, Tennessee is crowned Little Miss Universe 1965. |
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| Miss Germany Ingrid Bethake wins Miss Congeniality |
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| Miss USA Sue Ann Downey wins the Best Native Costume award. Note "native" and not "national". |
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| Miss Austria Karin Schmidt wins Miss Photogenic |
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| The 15 semifinalists sashay on stage carrying their plaques of recognition |
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| Miss France Marie-Thérèse Tullio during the swimsuit competition |
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| Miss Hong Kong Joy Drake performing a sword dance during the dress rehearsal. Look at that gorgeous face! |
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| Miss Tunisia Dolly Allouche performing a native dance during the dress rehearsal |
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| Miss Australia Pauline Verey struts during the Top 15 swimsuit segment |
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| Miss Philippines Louise Vail Aurelio charms the judges during the Top 15 Evening Gown competition |
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| The Top 5: Finland, Holland, Sweden, Thailand, USA |
