Citizens of Zanesville whipped up enthusiasm for the world premiere of a movie which stars a hometown boy, Richard Basehart, wikth good food, dancing and a beauty contest last night.

The movie, "Repeat Performance", will show tonight in two Zanesville theaters after still another day of merriment and civic pride, but nothing is expected to top the buffet dinner at historic old Headley Inn, which attracted a host of celebrities, including Gov. Thomas J. Herbert.

Louis Bromfield, the author, dished out the friend chicken. Two movie starlets,--Chili Williams and Frances Rafferty--dished out the glamour, and Basehart handled the civic pride, which ran rampant.

Half the town turned out for the subsequent dance and beauty contest, held in an auditorium festooned with pictures of Basehart.

Nothing quite like this current merriment has gripped this city since its founding 150 years ago.