Gene Autry always said this was his favorite of all his pictures, and it's easy to see why. Its longer running length gives more time for plot and character development, and Autry demonstrates how well he worked with children, and in casually romantic situations, when allowed.
There is also a dominant element of Gene's respect and sympathy for the Indian tribe featured in the story. The Indians are being swindled by a wealthy rancher and his son. Autry followed up on that two years later with "The Cowboy and the Indians," another very fine Western.
In particular, the head villain's murder of Gene's friend, an Indian husband and father, leads to the climactic scene of the movie where Autry captures the baddie after a thrilling horseback chase and a heckuva fist fight.
The movie's songs are good ones, especially the title song, performed by the star at the funeral for his Indian friend. And Gene's riding and fight scenes are first-rate -- and are almost certainly all done by himself. Gene could do his own stunts, and liked to, when permitted by the director in charge. And he was a very skilled horseman -- which is virtually never acknowledged by the regular reviewers, with their talk of "a typical Autry oater," "forgettable songs," etc. He was America's Favorite Cowboy, folks. You just don't want to admit it.
Watch this film if you get the chance. It's excellent.
There is also a dominant element of Gene's respect and sympathy for the Indian tribe featured in the story. The Indians are being swindled by a wealthy rancher and his son. Autry followed up on that two years later with "The Cowboy and the Indians," another very fine Western.
In particular, the head villain's murder of Gene's friend, an Indian husband and father, leads to the climactic scene of the movie where Autry captures the baddie after a thrilling horseback chase and a heckuva fist fight.
The movie's songs are good ones, especially the title song, performed by the star at the funeral for his Indian friend. And Gene's riding and fight scenes are first-rate -- and are almost certainly all done by himself. Gene could do his own stunts, and liked to, when permitted by the director in charge. And he was a very skilled horseman -- which is virtually never acknowledged by the regular reviewers, with their talk of "a typical Autry oater," "forgettable songs," etc. He was America's Favorite Cowboy, folks. You just don't want to admit it.
Watch this film if you get the chance. It's excellent.