Home in Oklahoma

Roy Rogers (as Roy Rogers) is a newspaper editor who is also handy with a gun. George "Gabby" Hayes (as Gabby) is a ranch hand and child guardian. Dale Evans (as Connie) is a reporter covering "the story" -- which is the seemingly accidental death of wealthy ranch owner Sam Talbot, and the contested distribution of his estate. The estate, valued at approximately $5,000,000, is willed to the 12-year-old ward of Mr. Hayes, Lanny Rees (as Duke Lowery).

The story is reminiscent of several Rogers "save the ranch" stories, particularly "Sunset Serenade" (1942) **. This one is more fun -- look for the scene where Rogers teaches Ms. Evans to ride a horse, and how she "helps" him in a fistfight! Also, watch for Ruby Dandridge (mother of Dorothy Dandridge) as a superstitious maid ("Devoria") who may believe train whistles at night are ghosts; it's not a role filled with great racial integrity, but it's nice to see Ms. Dandridge at work.

Though the plot seems intriguing, there is little mystery to the routine "Home in Oklahoma" plot, which is a shame, because some film elements are quite nice. The title song is a good one, and the "Mignilite" duet is cute. Bob Nolan and the "Sons of the Pioneers" lend their helping hands. The movie offers the standard Rogers western fare: Fistfight, Shootout, and Chase. BUT, what an ending! -- you get a BONUS Fistfight, Shootout, and Chase… all at the Same Time!… AND… On Top of a Train! Have fun!

***** Home in Oklahoma (1946) William Witney ~ Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Dale Evans