PICTURE FILMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 247, 29 July 1943, Page 5

PICTURE FILMS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. Screening to-night and at two sessions to-morrow, double feature programme, Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette in “Sunset in Wyoming.” Second feature, “Invitation to a Murder,” starring Thomas Mitchell and Jeffrey Lynn. Plus “Don Winston of the Navy,” Ep. 6. Republic lias utilised the pressing need for conservation of soil and national resources for the background of “Sunset in Wyoming.” He is seen at his best as a conscientious young cowboy, distressed by the depredations committed by the Wentworth Lumber Company, which is stripping the top of Mount Warner without planting new trees for replacement. As a result, the ranchers below are washed out during the rains, and Gene, as their spokesman and ringleader, undertakes the task of persuading the Wentworth ofiicials to change their tactics. Gene meets witli a curious problem when he at last faces old Asa Wentworth. Asa is actually on Gene’s side, he realises that reforestation is necessary and essential. However, in any attempt to ■change the policies of Larry Drew, his general manager, he will clash with his beautiful, imperious grand daughter, Billie, who believes herself in love with Drew. And by opposing Drew, he will inevitably drive Billie into an elopement with him. Thus, he appears outwardly to oppose Gene’s efforts but he is secretly in league with the boys, and the action that follows therefrom provides most entertaining screen fare. “Invitation to a Murder,” has all the eeriness and suspense of a crime story yet it is not by any means the ordinary tale of murder. Professor Henry Todhunter, played by Thomas Mitchell, learns from his doctor, played by James Stephenson, that he is suffering from a heart ailment which allows him only six more months to live. After much deliberation, he decides that he can make his life 'worthwhile- by murdering someone who menaces others yet whose crimes are not punishable by law. He hasn’t the slightest idea who that victim will be, but it isn’t long before he finds a deserving candidate. The wife of one of his favourite students, portrayed by Geraldine Fitzgerald, tells the professor that her artist husband, Michael (Jeffrey Lynn) seems to be in some sort of trouble, but he won’t reveal it. After some investigation, the professor learns that a woman called Ketti, played by Mona Maris, owns an art gallery and employs Michael to make copies of masterpieces, which she sells as originals. When he wants to quit she threatens to expose him. The professor tells her very coldly that unless she frees Michael he will kill her, and she ridicules the thought of this weak-looking creature threatening her life. The plot continues to pile up surprise after surprise in a film crammed with suspense.