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The Big Show

posted 15 years ago by kelsci
2 replies | jump to latest

This is the first time I saw the full 71 minute version. I rate it a 10. This is a film of mirth and merriment of a time long gone with the stamp of Republic pictures and Nat Levine. The movie is not meant to win academy awards; it is meant to entertain and it entertained me very much so. Look for Roy Rogers singing with the Sons of the Pioneers very briefly in this film. The backdrop of the Texas Centennial adds to this films storyline;too bad cheaper color film photography was not around in those days. One of the better Autry films. Also with Max Terhune and Elmer doing their sthick and I love those two.
raygun-3

[–] Bill-16 10 years ago

I could not agree more. I am a sucker for these type movies or the era. Lots of movies were made like this, but this one is above the normal for me. Usually they had synchronized dancing girls and crooners... with some Comic Relief running through.. Gene Autry, Roy Rogers country singing are much more timeless.

I kept thinking Gene/Ford's manager was doing an impression of Ted Healy along with the Stooges... right down to the beret hat he wore.

The Whole show was like a Documentary of 'Modern Times'.... WWII was something off in the unheard of future.

[–] howard-roller 9 years ago

The interesting back story fir this is,Gene Autry himself became a star by supplanting the obnoxious previous star, Ken Maynard. In reality, demands for more money,coupled with the total loathing of Maynard by everyone, had Republic Pictures anxious for a replacement. Enter Autry, who looked and sounded fine (singing as well) in a subordinate role in Maynard's In Old Santa Fe (1934). It didn't take a genius to figure out that the unpleasant Mr. Maynard could easily be dispensed with.