By way of contrast with his most expensive and good-by-to-Hollywood movie, "Bells of Capistrano", Gene Autry's comeback movie after his four-year stint in the Army Air Force, "Sioux City Sue" (1946), rates as more than something of a disappointment.
Smiley was gone - he was now partnering Charles Starrett at Columbia - and Gene himself was somewhat chubbier.
For a new partner, Gene settled on Sterling Holloway of all people, because "he was a veteran and I thought audiences would react favorably to him on that score. I was wrong, of course. I forgot how quickly people forget!"
Worse, Holloway seems to be competing against Gene rather than acting with him. And even far less subtle in his approach, Richard Lane seems determined to direct all audience attention HIS way.
Despite its movie-making background, the plot makes little sense - although it's nice to see photographer Reggie Lanning riding the camera car. The lovely Lynne Roberts offers some consolation, and the title song is put across with admirable gusto, but all in all, "Sioux City Sue" is a miss!
Smiley was gone - he was now partnering Charles Starrett at Columbia - and Gene himself was somewhat chubbier.
For a new partner, Gene settled on Sterling Holloway of all people, because "he was a veteran and I thought audiences would react favorably to him on that score. I was wrong, of course. I forgot how quickly people forget!"
Worse, Holloway seems to be competing against Gene rather than acting with him. And even far less subtle in his approach, Richard Lane seems determined to direct all audience attention HIS way.
Despite its movie-making background, the plot makes little sense - although it's nice to see photographer Reggie Lanning riding the camera car. The lovely Lynne Roberts offers some consolation, and the title song is put across with admirable gusto, but all in all, "Sioux City Sue" is a miss!