Bob Battier Movies
This Technicolor sequel to 1939's Jesse James does without the services of the earlier film's star Tyrone Power, who after all was shot dead by that "dirty little coward" Bob Ford (John Carradine). Repeating his portrayal of western outlaw Frank James, Henry Fonda is promoted to top billing here. As depicted by scenarist Sam Hellman, Frank has retired from his life of crime to become a peaceful farmer, though he has never given up his search for the treacherous Ford. The killer and his cohorts are eventually rounded up, but are pardoned due to political intervention. That's when Frank slaps on six-guns once more to seek his own form of justice. Featured in the cast is Henry Hull as a top-of-his-lungs crusading newspaperman and Jackie Cooper as a headstrong young sprout who pays the ultimate price for his bullheadedness. Making her screen debut is Gene Tierney, in the role of an Eastern reporter who wants to tell Frank's true story to the world. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henry Fonda, Gene Tierney, (more)
- 1940
In his final release of 1940, Monogram's answer to Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, played a United States Marshal assigned to investigate a gang that is taking advantage of the prison honor system. Helping unsuspecting prisoners escape, the gang enlists them in bank holdups. As the escapee demands money, a member of the gang shoots him down to claim the reward money. Tex, however, deputizes a couple of inmates and can soon bring the gang to justice. A very minor entry in the Ritter oeuvre, Rollin' Home to Texas featured future Western lead Eddie Dean as a sheriff. Ritter performed seven musical numbers, including Under Texas Stars and Wabash Cannon Ball. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tex Ritter, Cal Shrum, (more)
- 1937
Before sitting down to watch Love and Hisses, it's important to know that columnist Walter Winchell and bandleader Ben Bernie were engaged in a phony but highly publicized feud in the late 1930s. For the purposes of this film, the source of the Winchell-Bernie contretemps is pretty nightclub singer Simone Simon. Secretly signing the girl to a contract, Bernie spreads rumors that the girl has no talent, knowing full well that his "friendly enemy" Winchell will then give her a huge build-up in his newspaper column. Upon finding out that he's been hoodwinked, Winchell gets even by having Bernie kidnapped by a gang of phony hoodlums. With all this going on, it's easy to forget that legendary Broadway clown Bert Lahr is also in Love and Hisses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Walter Winchell, Ben Bernie, (more)
