In Old Monterey

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.

Sergeant Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and the Ranch Boys have served out their enlistment, but Gene convinces them to re-up by singing "My Buddy." Before he can sign his reenlistment papers, Autry is sent by Major Robert Warwick to talk to a ranch town near the camp; the army needs the land for a practice range, but they don't want to give up their land. Autry goes in as having bought one of the ranches, and Burnette and the boys desert to go with him. He just about convinces them, but there's someone using a biplane with Army markings to wreak havoc, which gets everyone's freedom-loving blood up.

There are plenty of loose threads left hanging in this singing western, but if you want to see a US Cavalry charge in 1939, Burnette destroying everything in sight as he instantly figures out how to maneuver a tank, and hear favorites like "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and "Born In The Saddle", this is the mildly incoherent but very patriotic movie for you. With June Storey, Gabby Hayes, and Jonathan Hale.

Lots of slapstick and Pre WWII military machinery.

High patriotism even had me signing along and waving the Stars and Stripes at times. I almost enlisted before I remembered I was too old for service.

I was particularly interested in the pre war aircraft and even a mini tank that provided some humor with Smiley Burnette at the helm. Planes, a tank and even a calvary charge. Some Three Stooges slapstick along with the usual fight scenes made this a cut above the usual Autry Oater of the time.

I'd go to war with Sgt. Autry anytime. Shooting a plane down with his trusty Winchester, Yee Ha!

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.

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.