Cowboys rob bank, save orphan baby in Christmas classic
The classic western movie, “Three Godfathers,” will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.
The 1936 film stars Chester Morris, Walter Brennan and Lewis Stone as three bandits who rob a small town bank of its Christmas Club savings and escape into the surrounding desert. Once out of harm’s way, however, the trio encounters a dying mother and her baby boy. All three men resolve to take the child back to civilization and safety.
Dr. Jack Rhodes, host of the library’s First Thursday Film Series, said this sentimental but effective tale is based on a 1913 novel by then-famous author Peter B. Kyne.
Rhodes said the Kyne story has been filmed seven times and that this 1936 version was the sixth telling of the classic tale. The picture, directed by Richard Boleslawski, also features Irene Hervey and Dorothy Tree as the romantic interests and provides a strong supporting role for Sidney Toler, who would later become the second actor to portray the Chinese detective, Charlie Chan, in that long-running mystery series.
Admission to this holiday entry in the library’s First Thursday Film Series is free, and no reservations are needed. Complimentary popcorn, sodas, and theater treats will be provided. For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414.