NOVEL WESTERN THEME

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 8

NOVEL WESTERN THEME

BUCK JONES RETURNS Tiie plot of Republic’s 1 Wagons Westward.’ which made its first appearance yesterday at the Empire, is based bn a novel thesis, wdiich would make the picture a success, oven without an outstanding cast. But Republic has gone all the way, and combined an excellent story with actors and actresses wdiose ability is unchallenged; and the result is one of the finest, most compelling photoplays to come out of Hollywood in many a month. Chester Morris adds another feather to his cap by his characterisation of tw'iu brothers, one of thorn honourable and upright and the other a fanatical enemy of society. His task in the dual role is to portray convincingly tho character breach hetw'een the two, and he does it tellingly. Ono Munson, with the laurels from her Belle Watling role in 1 Gone With the Wind,’ still fresh, delivers a sympathetic and penetrating performance as Julie, the dance hall girl, whose duty to her wayward younger sister—portrayed appealingly by Anita Louise—stands in the way of her own love and happiness. George “ Gabby ” Hayes will add new friends to his already large roster through his portrayal of “ Hardtack,” the crusty old pioneer who trios to direct the perplexing destinies of his twin nephews. Among the supporting players, all of them ideally cast, are Buck Jones, Guinn Williams, Douglas Fowley, and diaries Stevens. Buck Jones’s return to tho screen in this picture after an absence of nearly two years has been hailed by fans, and ho is no less popular. Tn ‘ Wagons Westward ’ he plays the “heavy” part opposite Chester but he is still one of tho main attractions.

Also on tin’s programme is the picture which a. great many people have been waiting to sec—the last episode of the ‘ Green Hornet,’ Thrill follows thrill as this story is brought to its intriguing conclusion