Today marks what would have been the 100th birthday of famed singing cowboy Roy Rogers. I’ve always had a soft spot for these musical B-Westerns. You may never see Roy’s films on a list of the greatest Western movies ever, but they are a highly entertaining way to spend a pleasant hour. So in honor of Roy’s centennial, here’s a list of my own five particular favorites:
Romance On the Range (1942)
If I had to pick one film as the perfect example of a musical B-Western, this would be it. It’s an entirely typical plot, but with a smoothly-working script, some beautiful cinematography, excellent songs and a great cast, everything clicks in just the right way. Roy and Co. (George “Gabby” Hayes and the Sons of the Pioneers) are on the trail of crooks who are stealing valuable furs, with a pair of city girls come West for the first time getting into the mix. Gabby’s attempts to send the ‘females’ back where they belong and a running gag with mechanical ‘gadgets’ provide some terrifically funny comedy scenes. The uncut version is available on YouTube.
Sunset Serenade (1942)
Another simple plot entertainingly executed and punctuated with good songs. This time the crooks are out to defraud an infant heir of his ranch, so Roy and Co. decide to throw in their lot with the baby’s guardian and match wits with the villains to hang onto the property. A memorable moment involves a saloon brawl that turns into an impromptu musical number when the player piano gets in on the action—something you would certainly not see in any other kind of Western! The uncut version is viewable on YouTube.
Lights of Old Santa Fe (1944)
Many Republic B-Westerns (Gene Autry’s and the Three Mesquiteeers’ are other good examples) often had a quasi-contemporary setting, where the time was obviously the 1940s but the methods were still of the 1800s. Lights of Old Santa Fe actually fits into its modern time period a shade better than the others. Not a shot is fired; the conflict involves a few fisticuffs, some trick-riding and lots of singing. The plot concerns two rival rodeos, with Roy and the gang joining up with the outfit owned by Dale Evans and trying to keep her rival from buying out the business or marrying into it. A highlight is the lovely title song by Jack Elliott, reprised three times throughout the movie. The uncut version is now available on YouTube as well.
Man From Cheyenne (1942)
This movie came in the transitional period when Roy’s films were moving from ‘historical’ to that contemporary setting I mentioned before, and to me it has a little different feel than most of the others—a bit more serious and character-driven. Unfortunately this is one of the few films whose uncut version has not yet been found, so there are a few songs missing and evidently a bit of plot too. I’m not sure what it says about a film when the antagonists are among the most interesting characters, but some of the best performances in Man From Cheyenne seem to come from the folks who are busy making trouble for Roy! It’s also viewable on YouTube.
The Border Legion (1940)
Roy plays an Eastern doctor on the run for a crime he didn’t commit, who’s kidnapped by a notorious outlaw gang that needs his medical skills. He decides to stick around and infiltrate the gang and bring them to justice. This movie is entertaining on account of a colorful and memorable cast of character actors in supporting parts, from the brash, egotistical outlaw chief to a feisty old lady saloon owner and a savvy sheriff. It’s available to watch on YouTube (under alternate title West of the Badlands).
I found out the other day about the commemorative “Happy Trails” float that will be appearing in the Tournament of Roses parade. I always enjoy that parade, and I’ll have to make sure to catch this float’s appearance. My youngest sister and I are agog at the thought of those 100 golden palominos!