In the small European nation Avania, boy king Scotty Beckett (as the small king) likes reading about the western exploits of American cowboy star John Payne (as Bill Stevens). The kid is thrilled when Mr. Payne visits Avania, with his traveling rodeo show. A command performance is arranged. Payne sings "That's the Way to Be a Buckaroo" to young Beckett. The abduction of Beckett and pretty blonde Lucile Fairbanks (as Marianne) leads to a western chase. Payne and comic sidekick Cliff Edwards (as Shorty) also sing a patriotic American song to Beckett, who appears ready to immigrate. This short story looks like a showcase for Payne, who certainly shows star quality, and others. Also getting easy camera attention, Ms. Fairbanks is from that family (the niece of Hollywood super-star Douglas Fairbanks). "The Royal Rodeo" is photographed in beautiful Technicolor by Charles Boyle, and everything looks great.
****** The Royal Rodeo (11/25/39) George Amy ~ John Payne, Scotty Beckett, Cliff Edwards, Lucile Fairbanks
