A TAXI-CAB WAR

Evening Star, Issue 22984, 15 June 1938, Page 6

A TAXI-CAB WAR

• big CITY' PREVIEWED

It was a vastly interested audience, including a large number of local taxidrivers and several traffic inspectors, who witnessed : a private screening at the Empire last night of the film ‘ Big City,’ which will be on view to the public £tt this theatre from Friday next. Wide in its appeal, ‘ Big City ’ is a film which is bound to find favour with all types of motion picture patrons. The hero of the story is a humble cabdriver, and in this role Spencer Tracy adds further laurels to his brilliant reputation. Opposite him and revealing all the charm, simplicity, and sincerity which have made her one of the finest of the screen's present-day actresses, Louise Rainer takes honours for her versatility. ‘ Big City ’ sets out to show a section of life which might be taken from any great city, and it is distinguished because it accomplishes just that. Its typical story and compelling acting lift the film to a particularly high level in entertainment value. The stars of ‘ The Good Earth ’ and ‘ Captains Courageous ’ team perfectly together as the taxi-driver and his immigrant wife. Miss Rainer’s performance must rank among the year’s best performances. Spencer Tracy, too, is superb as the taxi-driver, just an unimportant atom in the mighty life of the city. He typifies the underdog, and portrays his emotions, little ambitions, and hardships by exceedingly clever acting. The supporting cast is excellent. Charley Grapewin heads a long list of popular artists who provide the colourful background to the film. Janet Beecher. Eddie Qnillan. Victor Varconi, Helen Troy. William Baum rest ReJis Toomey, and Guinn Williams are others who fill prominent roles. The story concerns a taxi-cab driver who becomes involved in a taxi-cab war, and barely saves his Rumanian wife from deportation.