Special to The Desert Sun

Sporting swimming trunks and nothing else, Darryl F. Zanuck was pictured in The Desert Sun newspaper mowing his lawn in March 1948. Looking serious as he pushes the mower, Zanuck's left hand balances a cigar between his fingers.

The shirtless, obviously tanned movie mogul had accepted the honorary chairmanship of a civic event called "Salute to Cinema" to be staged at the Plaza Theatre promising a major premiere to be shown, coupled with a parade of famous celebrities. Proceeds were slated to go to the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Zanuck was vice president in charge of production at 20th Century Fox at the time. He clearly felt comfortable in the desert, allowing himself to be photographed in his bathing suit.

The newspaper reported, "It is believed fitti

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