In Old Monterey

This somewhat routine Gene Autry oater is worthwhile for several reasons. One, the fans get not only Smiley Burnette (Frog Millhouse) and his rather sophomoric humor but Gabby Hayes and his tall tales as well. Gabby starts out as a survivalist against the government, even firing his pistol at a passing US plane, but ends up a patriot thanks to Gene's intervention. Gabby tells those who will listen that he's fought in seven wars and explains several different times, each one involving a different legend of the Old West, how he won the medal he wears on his chest.

Second, the fabulous Hoosier Hot Shots are part of the action and get to showcase their musical talents, with Frog joining in. The Hoosier Hot Shots were exceptional musicians who let music making become a fun activity. They were sort of a hillbilly version of Spike Jones' City Slickers, and had several hit records to their credit. Their leader, Hezzie (Paul Trietsch), played a souped-up washboard the likes of which you've never seen. There's one scene in particular where their antics foreshadow those of Jerry Lee Lewis. While performing on stage, they proceed to destroy their musical instruments. Frog even rips the keys from the piano and Hezzie gets hit over the head with the guitar.

Third, there are several rousing action sequences including Gene atop Champion chasing down a speeding locomotive, Frog attempting to maneuver a runaway tank, and Gene shooting down an airplane with a rifle. The stunt work is marvelous. Even the few musical interludes fail to impede the excitement of the chases and fisticuffs.

On the minus side, two hillbilly ladies from the Grand Ole Opry, Sarie and Sallie, make a lame attempt to be funny. Where is Minnie Pearl when we need her? Thankfully, this was their only film role.

Another weakness is the length of the film, way too long. Even big budget B westerns worked better in a 50 to 60 minute time slot. Several subplots such as the one involving the boy Jimmy Whittaker could have been eliminated.

Hitler's war had begun in Europe with his invasion of Poland, so much of the patriotism, including the singing of "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," was topical and relevant. But today this part of the film seems quaint and distant, though still important from a historical perspective.

Gene is sent by the army to do some undercover work. The town folk led by Gabby Hayes refuse to let the army bomb their town for much needed war training. Western festival favorite, June Storey has Autry totally distracted as do the villains, well played by Jonathan Hale and William Hall. Silent film star, Robert Warwick is leading a fierce charge for the army whilst multi-talented Billy Lee befriends Gene. Ol' Frog drives a mean mini tank and Paul Trietsch plays a mean washboard with the great Hoosier Hotshots. It's classic Gabby with his many war stories and a great cast loaded with great stunt work.

"In Old Monterey" (which, by the way, is not close at all to where the story actually supposedly took place), the US Army Air Corps apparently 'needs' a small western town to vacate in order to use the land for maneuvers. But, at the same time, the local borax mining company is stirring up the locals against selling their land to the government because the miners don't want to relocate either. The company keeps stirring up the locals with various atrocities that they blame on the government....and the incredibly dumb and fickle locals are led by a complete idiot, Gabby (Gabby Hayes). I may sound harsh...but one minute, Gabby is ready to take on the entire US Army...the next, literally, he's 100% in favor of selling out to them! And, amazingly enough, just a moment later he's once again ready to take up arms against the army!! To try to work with the Army AND locals, Sgt. Autry goes undercover....along with his posse of army buddies.

The plot here is pretty nonsensical and Gabby and the town being THIS fickle is just bad writing. I love Autry films....but not this one. The only major plus is Gene singing his best rendition of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" because of backup he received from The Hoosier Hotshots....it really is lovely. But otherwise, it's yet another pre-WWII propaganda film (like "Buck Privates" and "Caught in the Draft") designed to prepare the US public to get behind the cause if there is war.

The sixth of seven movies made by Gene Autry in 1939. A western movie with cars, airplanes and military tanks. Sgt.Gene Autry is an Army attache assigned to purchase ranch land for an Army training ground and bombing range. Autry crosses ways with a greedy group of ranchers who are holding out for an unreasonably steep price for their land. Of course Autry always finds time to sing...a few of the songs featured are "My Buddy", "Little Pardner" and the classic "Tumbling Tumble Weeds". Also in the cast are:Smiley Burnette, June Storey, 'Gabby' Hayes, William Hall and Johnathan Hale. Falls a little short of your typical shoot 'em up. This original Republic Pictures film has recently been refurbished.

Fun, forgettable comedy actioner with Frog and Autry and the added bonus of the legendary Gabby Hayes to round off the comedy talent. Autry's sent on a special mission by the army to convince a town to give up its land so the army can run drills there. Yes, it's a war preparedness western, in which the ego-centered ethic of the West is turned on its head by Autry convincing Hayes and the other townsfolk to abandon their homes and livelihoods for the greater good. A few songs are sun (no outstanding material from Burnette).

Not especially entertaining, but not particularly unpleasant.