San Antonio (Warner Bros.) (1945)

Sos SSE Equestrian Family Trades Circus Life For Picture Work Circus days may soon be over for “Poodles” Hanneford and his worid-famous family troupe of bareback and trick riders, who have been top-flight performers in the sawdust ring for more than a quarter-century. Hanneford revealed this recently, pointing to the fact that increasing labor shortage problems in the circus circuit prompted him and his family to return to California for a possible career in the movies. Expert Riders That the Hanneford family of riding experts has had no difficulty in this respect is attested by the fact that both “Poodles” and his pretty nineteen-year-old daughter Gracie are currently to be seen in Warner Bros.’ Technicolor production ‘San Antonio,” the Errol FlynnAlexis Smith starring film now playing at the Strand. “Poodles” also revealed that movie-making is not altogether new to him, inasmuch as_ he played roles in a number of tworeelers made some eighteen or twenty years ago by Warners, Fox and Educational Films. Hanneford’s famous stable of horses has been brought to California from his ranch home in the Adirondacks and are quartered at Lincoln Park, where his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hanneford, agile seventy-four-yearold equestrienne, is tending to their care. Fourth member of the threegeneration riding troupe is Mrs. Grace Hanneford, who is thoroughly enjoying the somewhat unique experience of being able to keep house for her family. Mock Cun Fight Gives Film Actors A Dangerous Scare Paul Kelly suffered severe powder burns and Errol Flynn narrowly missed a similar fate from a revolver shot during the filming of Warners’ Technicolor film, “San Antonio,” currently at the Strand. The two actors were on location at Warner Bros.’ ranch where scenes were being filmed. Flynn and Kelly were standing side by side as they reloaded their six-guns for further street fighting. The “dog” on the catch of Kelly’s gun must have been faulty, causing the hammer to fall and discharge one of the cartridges. Powder from the blank shell imbedded itself in Kelly’s left hand and left thigh and scorched Flynn’s trouser leg. Starred opposite Errol Flynn in the exciting western is Alexis Smith. Others featured in the film are S. Z. “Cuddles” Sakall, Victor Francen and John Litel. Still 635-36 Mat 103 — 15¢ Paul Kelly, veteran of stage and screen, plays a treacherous robber baron in Warners’ gripping Technicolor drama, "San Antonio," currently at the Strand Theatre. Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith are starred in the film. x Still 635—Art “A” ace Mat 401-B — 60c An artist's conception of some thrilling moments in Warners' latest outdoor Technicolor drama, "San Antonio," now playing at the Strand Theatre. Starring Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith, the film recounts the exploits of a courageous group of cattlemen who staged a determined range war against the robber barons of the plains in the early days of Texas history. [The 4-col. mat, illustrated above, is 60c. It is also available in a 3-column size at 45c. It is, in addition, available as an 8x10 still at 10c. Order both mats and still direct from Warners’ Campaign Plan Editor, 321 W. 44 St., New York 18, N. Ye} Errol Flynn Roughed-Up In Warners’ ‘San Antonio’ Errol Flynn, debonair hero in Warner Bros.’ Technicolor western saga, “San Antonio,” now at the Strand, remained that way during the picture’s filming, but only with the greatest difficulty. He emerged from the production with powder burns, cuts, bruises and abrasions. Naturally, those things made continued suavity difficult if not impossible. He also emerged with the not impossible theory that, if screen adventure continues along its apparently dedicated course to bigger and better thrills, picture companies may be forced to draft star material due to a lack of volunteers. In other words, stardom is becoming rougher and rockier and he doesn’t mean the road thereto! Mr. Flynn’s experiences in “San Antonio” stand as an excellent example of what may lead to revolutionary conditions regarding future personnel for the flickers. In this highly romantic and extremely venturesome story the Irish star really takes it before the final clinch with heroine Alexis Smith. Action Galore As the picture was just getting into its more active sequences, Mr. Flynn had already been the target for three flying knives and a dozen flying bottles! According to reliable reports, only the star’s dexterous dodging kept him reasonably secure from possible mayhem. From these so-called “milder affairs d’combat,” Flynn went on and into a wrestling match with villain Paul Kelly. Wrestling in itself being too mild for these modern days, Mr. Flynn and Mr. Kelly do their grunts and groans atop the heaving back of a galloping horse! They wind up by crashing through the railing of a bridge and tumbling, end over end, into the river, far below. Horse Alone Escapes Only the horse escaped scott free of indignity and other injuries. It was considerately (humane laws and such) removed from the proceedings at the last moment. Incidentally, legal pro visions for the safety of human performers are extremely vague, revolving rather loosely around a nebulous theory that, if an actor wants to take foolish risks — well — that is his own business! Mixes It Up In addition to Kelly’s contribution to Flynn’s discomfort, the star was also the recipient of a dozen straight-arm jabs and an assortment of hefty roundhouse swing's, all tossed at him by Hollywood’s finest fighting’ men. Such punches are carefully rehearsed, of course, and are supposed to be what stunt men laughingly refer to as “pulled.” Unfortunately, the most skillful of movie fighters often make mistakes, and so it is that some of the facial defects seen on Mr. Flynn in this picture are not the result of make-up artistry! Surprise Injury A harmless Spanish guitar caused Mr. Flynn’s last injury to date. He was tuning it up to practice the romantic ballad he sings to Miss Smith in the picture. One of the steel springs snapped and nicked the back of his left hand. This, he believes, added insult to injury. Depicts Early Texas “San Antonio” depicts the period 1877-78 which was highlighted by the historical “Great Breakup” in southwest Texas. Part of the action takes place in Mexico, the balance in the title city of the film. Warners’ Research Department Has Field Day Planning ‘San Antonio’ Probably very few people realize that during the past sixty-seven years — less than the average lifetime — no less than ten states have been admitted into the Union. Research for Warner Bros.’ Technicolor production “San Antonio,” now at the Strand, revealed that only thirty-eight States comprised the United States as late as 1877, when the action of the film takes place. Consequently flags used in the Errol Flynn-Alexis Smith starring picture only show that many stars. States admitted into the Union since the average-aged grandmother was born include Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wash ington and Wyoming. Still EF419 Mat 207 — 30c Errol Flynn, last seen in Warners’ "Objective Burma," is currently co-starred with Alexis Smith in that studio's new Technicolor drama, "San Antonio," which opens tonight at the Strand Theatre. Featured in the supporting cast are John Litel, S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall and Paul Kelly.