PICTURE FILMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 230, 9 July 1943, Page 6

PICTURE FILMS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Finally to-night, 7.30 p.m.—Doublefeature programme: “Confessions of Boston Blaekie” with Chester Morris and Harriott Hilliard. Second feature; “Broadway Big Shot.” with Ralph Byrd and Virginia Vale. Commencing to-morrow, 2 p.m., for a season of four days—Gary Cooper as “Sergeant York,” with Joan Leslie and Walter Brennan. A now mile-post- in film entertainment will he passed when Warner Bros.’ “Sergeant York,” Starring Gary Cooper in the title role, starts its local run. The picture has everything that goes to make up a fine film—stars, romance, drama, excitement, a fascinating story and beautiful setting. Joan Leslie, who is sure-fire star material, has the feminine load opposite Cooper, as a simple mountain girl with a keen wit and a lovable personality. Walter Brennan, Academy Award winner, is cast as Pastor Pile, life-long friend of York, whoso homely philosophy became part of York’s creed. George Tobias, Stanley Ridges, Margaret Vyclierly, and a host of other popular screen players, make the cast one of the most impressive of recent years. Tho story is at once both simple and exciting, because it shows both sides of the lives of the Tennessee, U.S.A., mountain folk—their slow, easy-going manner—and the force of power they can bring out when their tempers are aroused. York, a sharp-shooting farmer who “gets religion” in his own manner, is a fellow who hates no one and registers as a Conscientious Objector when he is drafted during the World War. An understanding officer ill his company, played by Stanley Ridges, shows him that sometimes violence is necessary to ensure freedom. York turns out to be not only a good soldier, but one of the lira vest of heroes.