Bess, “the horse with the human mind,” led by trainer Joe Atkinson, mounted the steps of the Fayette County courthouse as several thousand people watched, filling the courthouse lawn and completely blocking Main Street. The milling mob so excited Bess, a 7-year-old gelding, that he had to be calmed before performing some of the tricks that had won him a widespread reputation. Bess was exhibited at the courthouse on Sept. 14, 1946, after a parade down Main Street. In the center background, a newsreel cameraman, mounted on an automobile, photographed the crowd and the performance. Click on the photo for a larger view. Bess, whose real name was Harry, was the star of the movie “Gallant Bess,” which was to have its world premiere in Lexington the following week. Herald-Leader Archive Photo