I have seen nearly every movie Gene Autry made and I must say that while I enjoy them, there is a certain sameness to most of them. The plots are familiar and predictable...too predictable. So, when I saw one of the few Autry films I'd never seen AND it was so different and unusual, I was excited!
When the story begins, Gene and his friends are incensed....the company that owns the land they use for grazing is increasing rents to the point where they can't possibly stay in business. Gene decides to go talk to the man in charge and on the way he meets up with the man's sister...a spoiled brat who clearly loves spending money and is incredibly selfish. And, when he finally meets the boss (Sterling Holloway) he can see why.... Waldo Brooks is a nervous wreck and he lets EVERYONE walk all over him...his sister, the board of directors...everyone! But Waldo decides to do something about it...and he leaves his fortune to Autry to manage and Brooks disappears!
Amazingly, this paper Brooks signed is legal...and Gene decides to make changes. First, he attends a board of directors meeting and challenges the board to account for all the doom and gloom they've been predicting for the company. He suspects these men are crooks and is intent on straightening out Brooks' finances. Second, and the harder part, is breaking Shelly's wicked ways....getting her to settle down and behave herself. What's next for all these folks and Waldo's plan? See the film.
As I mentioned above, the plot here is quite original and the story will keep your interest if you give it a chance. In addition, having The Cass County Boys on hand to do much of the singing was nice as well. While I like Gene's singing, this was certainly different...and quite enjoyable. On the downside, Sterling Holloway's performance was WAY over the top and the oldest sister was a bit too stereotypical (so many Autry films featured inexplicably women just waiting to be tamed by the cowboy hero!). But considering all there is to like, these minor problems can be overlooked.
