Cowboy Serenade

Routine Autry entry that nevertheless manages a few notable features. Gene's working to get back cattlemen's money lost by young Agnew (Brooks) in a crooked poker game. Trouble is the crooked set-up is headed by wealthy father (Richards) of the winsome young Stephanie (McKenzie). So Gene has to figure all of this out while hired henchmen are trying to stop him.

This is one of those entries that mixes cars and horses in a kind of weird overlap between different eras. But the mix works well in that thrilling climax that makes good use of both. And wow!—check out Frog (Burnette) who gets a bigger and more muscular role than usual, one that shows some versatility from the sidekick that's too seldom seen. Also, the supporting cast is stronger than usual, with a commanding Richards, a crafty Coffin, and a surprisingly humorous Cunningham.

Not much hard riding or gunplay, but some good athletic barroom brawls. No, nothing special; just a solid series programmer along with a couple of the pleasant Autry vocals.