The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come (20th Century Fox) (1961)

Jimmie Rodgers, America’s folksinging idol, makes his screen debut as “Chad,” hero of the beloved classic of the Southland “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” now released in CinemaScope DeLuxe Color by 20th Century-Fox with Luana Patten, Chill Wills, Linda Hutchings, opening at the Theatre. LINDA HUTCHINGS SOUTHERN BELLE Linda Hutchings, tall arresting 22-year-old cinema actress shares co-starring honors with Jimmie Rodgers, Chill Wills, and Luana Patten in the 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color version of “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” Southern classic prover as one of the world’s most beloved SUOTICS, OPEChINGe...c sc «+ ossaren at the Theatre. Linda plays Margaret Dean, a Confederate belle with whom a Kentucky orphan boy (Jimmie Rodgers) falls in love. She returns his love, but is tragically separated from the “little shepherd” when the War Between the States breaks out and he chooses to fight on the side of the Union forces. The role came to Linda as a challenge, since her only previous film had been “The Best of Everything,” in which she handled a small assignment. Dramatic classes at the 20th CenturyFox New Talent School groomed her for a long-term contract with the studio and this role of major importance in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” A Bit Of History Silent screen star Richard Barthelmess made Hollywood history in 1928 as the Bible-quoting, dog-loving hero of the famous Southern classic, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” To keep the female fans happy, he allowed his hair to grow long and tousled, to simulate a fourteenyear-old Kentucky mountain boy, one of his greatest cinema triumphs. eeceecee AL UMIT «see cesrcec ©. 4:8 eueile. 9 le * When matinee idol Richard Barthelmess starred in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” in the Roaring Twenties, he shared a reunion which warmed the hearts of sentimental moviegoers the world over. Co-starred with him was Molly O’Day, who had been his 17-yearold leading lady in the silent cinema “The Patent Leather Kid.” The couple was billed as a romantic team, in a picture that became a milestone in the annals of Hollywood. ok ok * Molly O’Day, the _ original Melissa Turner in the 1928 version of “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” was one of the first film stars to be given the full publicity treatment. She was a Wampus “baby” and widely publicized by the early press agents of a high-flown era in the history of motion pictures. UBLICIT “THE LITTLE SHEPHERD OF KINGDOM COME” BRINGS GREAT CLASSIC OF SOUTH TO SCREEN SINGING IDOL IN FILM DEBUT Jimmie Rodgers, Luana Patten, Chill Wills Star In Poignant Epic Of War Between The States The most demanding press agent could scarcely ask for a more dramatic motion picture debut than that of Jimmie Rodgers, celebrated young folk singer and idol of millions of young Americans who has parlayed an unbroken string of record hits into his own TV show, and now makes his first screen appearance as the star of “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color version of the world renowned Southern classic, opening at the Theatre. Co-starred with Chill Wills, Luana Patten and Linda Hutchings, Rodgers was an astute choice for the role of the shepherd boy. As Chad, bible-quoting Kentucky Mountain teenager in the rural Southland community of Kingdom Come, where sickness has wiped out his entire family, Rodgers crystalizes for us the character of the beloved hero of John Fox’s novel. The rich and exciting course of Chad’s life takes him from a rural childhood into the elegant society of Kentucky, where he is educated and raised by kindly Major Buford (Chill Wills). Rodgers interprets with realism and tenderness the boy’s discovery of the meaning of love, as he meets and falls in love with Margaret Dean (Linda Hutchings), a disarming Southern belle. A high point in the film comes when Rodgers must portray a dramatic conflict of moral purpose as he pledges his allegiance to the Northern forces during the War between the States and finds himself face-to-face in battle with the man who has raised him. Through the courage and devotion of the girl back home, faithful Melissa (Luana Patten), he achieves peace of mind and the values of truth in a difficult maturity. Jimmie Rodgers as an actor carries a rare appeal with a combination of polished voice, warm, smooth delivery, and a genuine love for singing and accing. In a role that would offer serious challenge even to an actor of experience, Rodgers demonstrates surprising flexibility. He sings two enchanting new song's written especially for him, and assures his new status as one of the screen’s brightest current finds. Born near the Oregon border, Jimmie received his early musical training by singing in church choirs. He learned to play the guitar in Korea, during a stint with the Air Force, entertaining his fellow G.I.’s and later putting his talent to work professionally in Nashville, Tennessee. Before the singer made his first record hit, “Honeycomb,” there was a time when he and his young wife lived on penny candies. Now that his career is booming, the popular young star insists on eating “steak and potatoes and chocolate cake as often as possible.” Jimmie’s career has run the gamut from tent shows and backwoods-lodges to the glittering world of night clubs and concert halls. America’s singing favorite of youngsters 9 to 90, he may well be making the kind of history, in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” that was made back in 1928 by another youngster in the film business, Richard Barthelmess, darling of the ladies, who starred as the original tousel-haired “Chad” in the silent version of the tale all America loves. LUANA PATTEN, BLUE-GRASS BEAUTY The signing of Luana Patten to co-star with Jimmie Rodgers and Chill Wills in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color version of the South’s beloved classic, opening 2.4.60... at the Theatre, highlights the studio’s policy of showcasing young players and “fresh faces.” In the film, Luana plays the important role of Melissa Turner, pretty teenage daughter of the Kentucky family that befriends the orphaned mountain boy Chad (Jimmie Rodgers). Melissa stands by the little shepherd through his painful growing-up period during the War between the States when all other loyalties are confused in the turmoil of one of history’s bloodiest eras. Luana Patten adds flavor and charm to this classic characterization, a role once played by silent screen star Molly O’Day co-starred with Richard Barthelmess. Luana started her career as a child model, then went on to become an important Walt Disney star at the age of six. She was the little girl who warmed the hearts of millions as the Southern plantation moppet who sat on Uncle Remus’ lap in “Song of the South.” She graduated from high school in Long Beach in 1956 and within 24 hours had a call from her agent, asking her to return to the screen from which she had been absent since pigtails. Another 24 hours found her co-starred with Sal Mineo and John Saxon in “Rock Pretty Baby.” peace oe ee HU ULI se 0 6 € 0 4.6 50) 86 Jimmie Rodgers bids farewell to his former Southern sweetheart (Linda Hutchings) after making the difficult decision to join the Union forces in the celebrated classic “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color release also starring Luana Patten, Chill Wills, and opening ........... at the Theatre eee eer ees ees eee Copyright © MCMLX Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation (Newspaper Advance) , One of the best-loved classics in American fiction comes to brilliant and heartwarm ing rebirth in “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, DeLuxe Color version of the epic Jimmie Rodgers in his first screen role, with Luana Patten, Hutchings, opening The “little shepherd” is a Kentucky mountain teen-ager (Jimmie Rodgers) orphaned and bound over to work off his dead family’s debts in the home of a sadistic guardian (George Kennedy). Unable to bear’ the wretchedness of this household, Chad flees with his dog, Luke, to the rural community of Kingdom Come where a gentle schoolmaster and his wife, the Turners, (Robert Dix and Shirley O’Hara) give him shelter with their own Bee) 6. 8) eae ey Se a sehen 6". 8 6 0 at the *” 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope drama of the South starring America’s folk-singing idol Chill Wills and Linda Theatre. youngsters and imbue him with an ambition to acquire an education. The warm and endearing nature of the relationship between the Turners and their children, and the affection of young Melissa Turner (Luana Patten) give Chad his first insight into the real meaning of family security. Chad’s fortunes take an impressive turn when he is sent to Lexington to live with wealthy CRISIS IN YOUNG LOVE-TRIANGLE SPLITS PATTEN, JIMMIE RODGERS Robert Dix, Luana Patten and Jimmie Rodgers in a dramatic moment from the famous classic of the Southland “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color production marking Rodgers’ screen debut and also starring Chill Wills, Linda Hutchings, opening .......... AG UNGE.c. 6 cs. s:s Theatre. Mat 2C CHILL WILLS AS SOUTHERN ARISTOCRAT STARS IN FAMOUS FICTION CLASSIC Chill Wills, one of the screen’s best-loved character actors co-stars with Jimmie Rodgers, Luana Patten and Linda Hutchings in the famous classic of the South during the war between the States, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” a 20th Century-Fox release in CinemaScope and DeLuxe Color opening .............. at the Theatre. The veteran performer, whose face and friendliness are familiar Hollywood trademarks, portrays aristocratic Major Buford, Confederate soldier, another warm, lovable characterization in a long list of film successes. In the classic story, a favorite of children the world over, Wills is a Southern citizen who befriends the young Kentucky orphan Chad (Jimmie Rodgers), gives him a fine education, introduces him into cosmopolitan society and then has to face him as an official enemy on the battlefields. eeoecec eee eee eee eee In a genial approach to the role of the major, Wills wins the shepherd boy’s trust and respect, later watches him join the Northern forces with heartbreak for both. It is a distinguished performance and another feather in the professional cap of the good-natured drawling Texan. Wills began his career as a comedian and guitar player with Texas medicine shows. A vaudeville date at the Los Angeles Cocoanut Grove brought him to the attention of Hollywood film producers. Compared widely with the late Will Rogers, he has starred in more than 63 major productions since his early Cocoanut Grove days and still claims to be a fair hand with the guitar. With his folksy charm and genuine smile, Wills has entertained millions in a long line of first-rate films. He was the voice of “Francis the Talking Mule” in that popular series and has apppeared prominently in “The Sundowners,” “Small Town Girl,” “Cattle Drive,” and the recently acclaimed production of John Wayne’s “The Alamo.” “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come,” produced by Maury Dexter and directed by Andrew D. McLaglen again gives Wills the kind of vehicle that best suits his genial, good natured and dignified talents. Confederate widower Major Buford (Chill Wills) and to attend college. His entry into society exposes him to the love of an arch Southern belle named Margaret, (Linda Hutchings), whose influence blots out his early loyalty to the Turners and their daughter. But when the War Between the States casts its sorrowful shadow across the South, Chad’s decision is a_ startling one: he joins the forces of the North and finds himself suddenly estranged, by principle and choice, from those who have befriended him, and re-aligned with Melissa and the Turners of his early youth. BATTLES CONFEDERATES Leading a battle against the Confederate forces headed by his friend Major Buford, Chad knows the agony of watching his benefactor die at the hands of Union men. It is a painful lesson in the amorality of war, and Chad must pay the price of growing up in the South during an era of upheaval, but in the end, he knows, with Melissa at his side, that he will face the future with a new and richer maturity. In the role of “Chad,” a characterization made famous years back by silent-gcreen star Richard Barthelmess, Jimmie Rodgers reveals an extraordinary depth as a serious actor, a new aspect of a career which has swept this young folk-crooner from obscurity to a top-spot in the nation’s roster of songmongering idols. LOVELY LUANA PATTEN Luana Patten, as “Melissa,” is refreshingly direct, warm, spontaneous, justifying all the faith that was invested in her career by her discoverer, Walt Disney, and her promise in earlier films “Home From the Hill” and “Go Naked in the World.” Veteran character player Chill Wills who makes any role he undertakes a memorable experience in theatre, is touching and stalwart as Major Buford, the Southern aristocrat seemingly “betrayed” by the boy he has befriended. Produced by Maury Dexter, directed by Andrew D. McLaglen, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” is first-rank and wholesome entertainment for the entire family. VETERAN STAR Chill Wills, actor, plays a Confederate Colo veteran character nel in the 20th Century-Fox CinemaScope DeLuxe Color version of the Southern classic “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come: opening’ t. . 2 o.cs 6.6 ss at the? oe Theatre. Mat 1C