Mountain Rhythm

A standard b western - highly enjoyable in other words. Although this one packs it into 58 minutes there's still room for Gene to sing 4 songs (3 of them before the action had really got started), a hayride medley, and still leaving time for one from the hoboes.

Land that ranchers have been using is put up for auction by the Government; they pool their resources to try to buy it back but are faced with the machinations of baddies who want to turn the whole place into a bustling tourist destination. Gene and Smiley help the ranchers collect the money but have it stolen … the chase is on to stop the baddies and win that auction. Do they make it? Be prepared for surprises! Plenty of stirring horse and gun action over the beautiful Republic countryside, gentle atmosphere, young June Storey sadly underused as usual but never looking lovelier, and some nice songs – especially Highways Are Happy Ways and It Makes No Difference Now – what more could a fan want? Except maybe a 2 hour Directors Cut.

I can watch these Autry films till the cows come home, stampeded or otherwise.