Rovin' Tumbleweeds

Fake news, crooked politicians and congressmen bought and paid for shows you times have not changed. Gene starts singing on the radio to aid ranchers and farmers whose lands were destroyed by floods. Local wheelers and dealers notice his popularity which propels him into politics. He finds that what it takes to pass a flood control bill may be more than he bargained for. While the action ensues, Gene, Ol' Frog and Pals of the Golden West entertain with some wonderful songs. Also, great comic relief by the storekeepers near the beginning of the film.

There is a very good reason for this. The crew who worked on this western is the same crew who were doing the THREE MESQUITEERS series. As such, this movie seemed almost like a "MESQUITEERS" western, but with Gene Autry in it. That's what makes this one so darn good. The action and dialog is brisk, fast and sharp. The music cannot be beat. I must say that Republic Pictures is the true AMERICANA studio of music IMHO. Republic pictures in most cases tried to entertain you and they did and IMHO they still do even in the 21st century. I am glad that there has been an effort to preserve their films such as the Autry series that he made for them during the 30s and 40s. Just think if they had invited THE THREE MESQUITEERS over to assist Gene in this one; what a crossover western this one would have made; but I bet nobody though about it.

Gene hitches up and heads for Washington D.C. to fight for flood control. He manages to uncover corruption , sing some songs, and become a champion rodeo rider on the weekends. For an hour long movie like this to have so many irrelevant scenes, you know the screenwriters knew a few things about padding the film. Mary Carlisle is sprightly and engaging as a girl reporter who gradually warms up to Gene and ends up as his biggest fan.

Unfortunately, the film's ending is rather abrupt and forced -- somehow the rich industrialist who has opposed Gene's flood controls at every turn has a change of heart, and he tells everyone that he'll pass the law. This leaves a bad taste in one's mouth -- after all, if he's gonna pass a "good" law, isn't it just as corrupt as if he passed a "bad" law? Wouldn't some kind of plea for more democracy have been more appropriate than a kindly industrialist (this reminds me of the conservative propaganda of MGM's "Boom Town")? Shades of fascist here, but.....well, as long as it's a happy ending.......

I don't think anyone watches one of these old matinees for anything other than unchallenging fun. After all, they were made mainly for kids. That being said, this one has more adult content than most. Yes, Gene is elected to Congress, of all places, following a successful stint on the radio. More importantly, he's expected to serve as an empty suit (cowboy suit) by his big money backers wanting to steal land away from flood-ravaged small farmers. It's not like the money men don't have some popular support. Local townsfolk resent the influx of refugees from the flood for driving down local wages. But needless to say, Gene turns out to be anything but an empty suit.

Clearly, the screenplay is not only more serious minded than most, but also reflects many conditions of the ravaged 1930's. Actually, this low-budgeter does a good job creating a sense of desperation among the flood-affected—note the intense crowd scenes, plus the chaos of old flivver cars. There's also Congress and its influence peddling where Gene finds out some hard truths. There's little hard riding or typical gunplay, so matinée fans expecting the usual may be disappointed. But, for folks willing to try something different, there's food for thought (except the utterly incredible ending) that appears still topical, even 70- years later.

As I watched "Rovin' Tumbleweeds", I couldn't help but think that the plot owes a lot to "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". However, after doing a bit of looking, it's not clear that the film was inspired by "Mr. Smith". Sure, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" did come out first...but only a month before this Gene Autry film. And, while I know that these B-westerns were churned out quickly...I cannot be sure if the similarity is intentional or just a coincidence.

When the film begins, Gene and Smiley are out trying to help folks in the middle of a flood. When the lady announcer is talking about this on the radio, Gene grabs the microphone and blames their congressman for the flood, as the guy voted against a flood control bill. That, combined with him singing on the radio, suddenly make Gene a local hero...and folks are clamoring for him to run for congress. Soon, he's elected...and learns exactly how Washington works...or doesn't work! Again and again, the powers that be block Gene from trying to make a positive difference.

The songs in this film are exceptional....with him singing his classic "Back in the Saddle Again" (one of his most familiar songs). And, Smiley sings a cute ditty with his froggy voice.

As for the story, it's pretty good and enjoyable except for one thing...the cliched lady radio host. Too often older films feature ladies who are grouches and hate the leading man for no apparent reason....and this one is no exception. She's annoying an unrealistic...and according to the cliche, she eventually becomes Gene's love interest! This isn't a spoiler...as it's obvious this will happen the second you see and hear her! Fortunately, having the usually slimy and evil Douglass Dumbrille playing the baddie in this one is a major plus.

Overall, this is a most unusual B-western because it's also a very progressive film....sort of like a singing cowboy film combined with Depression-era issues and politics. Well worth seeing and one of Autry's better films, as it has a depth you usually would not expect in such a movie.