FILMS & PLAYERS

Southland Times, Issue 24760, 3 June 1942, Page 6

FILMS & PLAYERS

“Hot Spot,” which begins at the State Theatre on Friday, is the film version of a best-selling novel entitled “I Wake Up Screaming.” The picture is a skilful and well-constructed murder story, with a cast that does it full justice. Betty Grable proves that she can do more than dance the Conga as she did so expertly in “Down Argentine Way.” Carole Landis makes her first WorthWhile appearance since “Turnabout”

Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, two of the most popular stars on the screen, are featured together in “Penny Serenade,” which comes to the Regent Theatre on Saturday. The story is a clever blend of comedy and sentiment. It deals mainly with the devotion shown by the Adams family to an adopted child. A young married couple who cannot really afford the financial complications which attend the adop-

Gene Autry’s latest film, “Sierra Sue,” begins at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. The grazing areas in the cattle country around Sierra City have been infested with the poisonous devil weed, and George Larrabee, the honest but bungling head of the local Stockmen’s Association, has persisted each year in burning off every acre within a fiftymile radius. The effect upon the

while Victor Mature rises for the first time to a position he should have occupied many months ago—the position of a star.

“Hot Spot” concerns itself with a murdered girl whose sister is engaged to the man accused of the murder. She possesses the information that will send him to the electric chair. Should she remain silent? Or should she denounce him? Her terrible dilemma builds up to a sensational climax.

tion find themselves in the midst of difficulties. This is the main background for a film which moves smartly from the lighter moments of married life to the edge of tragedy. Cary Grant handles his role expertly; and Irene Dunne again proves herself to be an accomplished actress. A strong supporting cast and intelligent directing lift the picture well above the average levels of screen entertainment.

ranchers’ prosperity has been so ruinous that Bromfield, the local banker, braves Larrabee’s wrath to ask the State Agricultural Commission to send in Inspector Gene Autry for an investigation. Autry’s efforts to win over the ranchers provide the essence of the film, which, according to advance reports, is one of the best Autry films yet produced.