I once wrote to Roy Rogers, Jr. about his dad's credits in the Weaver Family films at Republic and what he told me was that like all the other studio bosses Herbert J. Yates believed in keeping his contract players working. Even though by 1941 Roy Rogers was a full fledged film star he still got cast in support of the Weaver Family in Arkansas Judge. As befit his star status though he was billed first in the supporting cast.
The Weaver Family was just that three performers related to each other named Weaver who did essentially hillbilly music and were stars of the Grand Old Opry at the time. They did a few films for Republic at the time which were popular in what would become the red states. Leon Weaver plays a town judge who likes to cut back occasionally and do some jamming with the family.
His part was something that other Rogers named Will could have done had he lived. Weaver has worked hard to keep his valley both peaceful and harmonious. But war clouds descend when Eily Mahlon accuses poor widow Spring Byington of the theft of $50.00 she had hidden in her flour barrel. She has no proof mind you, but a weak circumstantial case.
Weaver is all for living and let living, but town banker Frank M. Thomas has his own reasons for wanting the blame to fall on Byington. It all gets quite ugly before the truth is learned.
As for Roy he is caught between two women, Pauline Moore and Veda Ann Borg. He gets to be in courtroom scene as a lawyer defending Leon Weaver from a slander suit brought by Thomas. It's every actor's dream and he fulfilled it. He also has one song to sing Peaceful Valley as most of the musical numbers were for the Weaver Family. Roy doesn't have that many scenes, but he makes what he has count.
Arkansas Judge coming from Republic Pictures doesn't have the touches and production values from a major studio. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised in that this film was a powerful indictment against gossip and slander. And Spring Byington gets the accolades for best performance. She is quite touching as the poor, put upon widow whom the town of Peaceful Valley turns against and makes war on.
As for Roy Rogers this is a film he should be known better for.
