Big Show, The

3064. THE BIG SHOW (Home In Oklahoma) (1937-USA). With GENE AUTRY, SMILEY BURNETTE, THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS, MAX TERHUNE, CHARLES JUDELS, LIGHT CRUST DOUGHBOYS. This action-packed and tune-filled western adventure features singing cowboy Gene Autry in a most unusual setting. Actually, Gene has a dual role in the story. He first plays Tom Ford, Mammoth Pictures’ top western movie star. On screen, Ford is beloved by the fans for his exploits and heroism. However, once the cameras stop rolling he is a loutish and short-tempered boor. Gene’s second character is one he was born to play; Gene Autry, Ford’s good-natured stunt double. Gene is the one who does all the daredevil stunts which have helped Ford win celebrity and glory. After completing his latest picture, Ford heads off on vacation. His publicist has neglected to tell him that he has been booked to appear in person at the Texas Centennial in Dallas. Before the flack can undo his error, Ford is long gone to destinations unknown and cannot be reached. So Gene is asked to take the movie star’s place. He reluctantly agrees to go along with the scheme and that’s when the fun starts! A sharply devised story and some rollicking comic relief from second banana Smiley Burnette help make this an extra-special treat. By the way, one of the Sons of the Pioneers (who perform hillbilly songs in the film) is a young man who was born Leonard Slye and who changed his name to Dick Weston before forming the group. He eventually look on yet another name. This one was ROY ROGERS and soon he was challenging Gene Autry for the title of America’s favorite singing cowboy movie star. It’s fascinating to see both Roy and Gene in the very same movie! 56 minutes. Western