a loss of interest during the 1930s, prompted the appointment of tom baldridge to the seat of executive director of the festival. he was also employed at mgm in the publicity department, which allowed him the opportunity to schedule celebrities, in turn renewing public interest in the festival. the period of the 1960s and 1970s introduced various new aspects to the festival including: the first visit by a u.s. president, lyndon b. johnson (1964), the beginning of attendance by sports celebrities jack dempsey (1965), and the premier of sunday in the park (1975). the cole brothers circus of the stars, still a favorite of children, first appeared at the festival in 1981.