THE DUKE ONCE AGAIN SWAGGERS ONTO THE SILVER SCREEN
COLDWATER – The Tibbits Classic Film Series closes its 2017-2018 with The Duke himself, John Wayne, in North to Alaska and 3 Godfathers on May 26, 2018 at 7pm.
The evening begins with the light-hearted North to Alaska, the story of two partners, Sam McCord (Wayne) and George Pratt (Stewart Granger) who strike gold during the Alaskan Gold Rush. Once they are living comfortably George sends Sam to Seattle to bring back his fiancée. Finding that she has married another man, Sam brings back a call girl named Angel as a substitute. After meeting her, an angry George rejects Angel outright, while his younger brother Billy decides he wants her for himself. In time, George takes a liking to Angel but realizes that she has fallen for Sam. George then attempts to coax Sam into admitting his true feelings for the young woman. While the pair are distracted, a conman named Frankie Cannon steals their claim and Sam & George try to resolve matters in court. Everything is soon settled with something Hollywood was once famous for, a glorious town-wide fist fight.
Closing out the evening is the gritty 3 Godfathers. This dramatic western is the tale of three outlaws, portrayed by John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, and Harry Carey Jr., who are on the run after robbing a bank. With one of them wounded, they attempt to escape capture by fleeing into the desert where they soon find themselves without their horses due to a brutal sandstorm. While searching for water, the trio comes across a dying young woman in the process of giving birth. After assisting her, she makes the three men swear they will take care of the child. Following her passing, the men are determined to get the newborn to safety and begin a perilous journey. Filmed primarily in Death Valley, California, 3 Godfathers is directed by film legend John Ford who directed Wayne in such other western classics as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and The Searchers.
Born Marion Robert Morrison, John Wayne gained success with 1939’s Stagecoach. He went on to star in 142 motion pictures and was a major box office draw for three decades. Over the course of his long career, he became the personification of the big screen cowboy as well as the All-American male. “He will be the biggest star ever because he is the perfect everyman,” said director John Ford.
This event is sponsored by Dr. Matthew Christopher, DDS and admission is free. Concessions, including a cash bar serving wine, beer, and a themed drink will be available in the elevator lobby at the Ghost Light Bar. All showings take place at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. For more information or a complete listing of events, please visit Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.