The Big Show

In the 1932 film "The Big Show," Gene Autry plays a dual role as himself and his stunt double, with the lines between reality and fiction blurring. Autry's film is set against the backdrop of the Texas Centennial Exposition in Dallas, a grand celebration of Texas' heritage and history. At the heart of the story is Autry, a cowboy star who has become a beloved figure in Hollywood. Alongside his trusty stunt double, they have built a reputation for their thrilling and daring stunts on screen. However, when the stunt double takes over Autry's duties on set, Autry finds himself bewildered by the women in his life, who are equally confused by his antics. Tom Ford, Autry's rival and nemesis, is a has-been actor who has lost his charm and appeal. Ford has fallen deeply into debt, owing a significant amount of money to the notorious gangster, Rico. Rico has no qualms in using threats and intimidation to get what he wants, and Ford finds himself in a precarious situation. In a desperate attempt to save his career and evade Rico's clutches, Ford turns to the film studio's boss, Wilson, for help. Ford convinces Wilson to let him use Autry as a stunt double to pretend to be himself. Autry agrees to the scheme, but only if he can maintain his anonymity. As Autry takes on Ford's persona, the lines between reality and fiction become increasingly blurred. The plot thickens when Rico arrives in Dallas, intent on collecting the debt from Ford. Rico soon discovers that Autry is an impersonator and is not Ford at all. Seeing an opportunity to exploit this situation for his own gain, Rico blackmails Wilson and the film studio, threatening to reveal the truth about Autry's double identity unless they give in to his demands. The film takes a thrilling turn as Autry tries to extricate himself from the mess he has found himself in. With Rico hot on his heels, Autry must use all his wits and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of his pursuer. Meanwhile, the film studio is on the brink of bankruptcy, and Wilson is desperate to save the day. In the climactic final sequence, Autry manages to outsmart Rico and his goons, and the truth about his dual identity is finally revealed. The film ends on a high note, with Autry emerging triumphant and his integrity intact. Through it all, the film provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, where the lines between reality and fiction are constantly blurred. The 71-minute original version of "The Big Show" is a taut and suspenseful film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The black-and-white cinematography and the energetic music add to the film's excitement, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. Despite its edited version running at 59 minutes, the film's core plot remains intact, and it remains a timeless classic of the Western genre.