The Gene Autry films often featured a lot of actors who later starred on "Petticoat Junction" and "Green Acres". Gene's first sidekick, Smiley Burnett, was one of the train conductors on the train in the TV shows, as was Rufe Davis (the other conductor) often appeared in Autry's films as well. One of Autry's later sidekicks, Pat Buttram, played Mr. Haney on the TV shows. And, here in "Sagebrush Troubadour", Barbara Pepper plays the love interest...and she later played Doris. Ziffel on the shows! This is an odd connection...and perhaps some folks associated with the Autry series later was involved in these two Filmways productions. If you can explain this to me, let me know!
An old man has discovered gold in his hidden mine. Some baddies killed him to take his treasure but have no idea where the mine is located. So, they want to find the guy's swayback horse so they could follow it...hoping it will lead them to the place. But before they can do this, Gene and Frog find the animal. When they come to town EVERYONE seems to want to claim it...so Gene holds on to the horse until he figures out WHY or if someone can show him some proof of ownership. Because of this, the baddies all go to the sheriff...insisting that Gene and Frog are the killers...and now they are wanted me.
Gene, however, is not about to run away, as he knows the same folks responsible for the old man's death might also make an attempt on his granddaughter's life. So Gene keeps an eye on Joan (Barbara Pepper) in case the guitar string killer returns.
So is this early Autry outing any good? Well, the songs Autry and Frog sing are nice but not memorable. As for the story, it's very good and most enjoyable...and different enough to make it stand out compared to many of Autry's later films.
