We wrap up our June series of westerns and end the month with a live comedy performance from two very funny women, Jody Kerns and Sonya King.
Thursday, June 26 (7:30 p.m.) B Western Double Feature
The Utah Trail (Grand National, 1938)
Tex Stewart (aka “The Pecos Kid”) and his sidekicks arrive to help out their friend, railroad owner Jeffers, only to find that he has been killed. They quickly run into trouble with an outlaw gang in their attempt to find a mysterious ghost train that supposedly runs on Jeffers’ line. Country-western singer and actor Tex Ritter stars and sings a few tunes in this low-budget B Western. ‘Snub’ Pollard and Dave O’Brien provide comedy relief.
The Bandit Trail (RKO, 1941)
Tim Holt stars as Steve Haggerty, the son of rancher Tom Haggerty who was killed trying to stop a gun battle between his hotheaded brother Red and the sheriff. Steve is then reluctantly persuaded by his Uncle Red to help rob the local bank that has been trying to repossess the Haggerty ranch. This action leads to a brief life of crime for Steve until he is elected marshal of nearby Remington and falls for the banker’s daughter in the town. Directed by Edward Killy, the action adventure also stars Morris Ankrum and Janet Waldo.
Friday, June 27 (7:30 p.m.)
The Professionals (Columbia, 1966)
Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan and Woody Strode star as four soldiers-of-fortune who are hired by an arrogant Texas millionaire to rescue his kidnapped wife from a notorious Mexican bandit (Jack Palance). Richard Brooks received Oscar nominations for best director and best screenplay for this action-adventure Western, as did Conrad L. Hall for best cinematography. The film also stars Ralph Bellamy and Claudia Cardinale.
Saturday, June 28 (7:30 p.m.)
“Ladies of Comedy” (Live Event)
Get ready to laugh in this evening of live, original and outrageous stand-up comedy with Jody Kerns and Sonya King. Hailing from Richmond, Va., Jody Kerns is a Southern belle with a decisive edge. For over 25 years, she has been making them laugh all across the country, including on “The View” and at the Calgary Comedy Festival. Sonya King, originally from Alabama, is the queen of deadpan. Having also appeared on The View and Good Morning America, she mixes a subdued style with a quick wit that has entertained people coast-to-coast for over a decade.
For more information on our programs, please visit the web site at www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.