Winning of the West

"Winning of the West" is one of the last Gene Autry films. It also happens to be one of the last Smiley Burnette films as well. Because of this, both actors are a bit older. Does it mean that the film is less good than most of their films?

When the story begins, you learn that several so-called 'Protective Associations' are using the old shakedown on folks out west. In other words, if miners or ranchers don't pay up, they are attacked by raiders. Gene is appointed a ranger but he soon loses his badge when he fails to bring in one of the baddies....who turns out to be Gene's brother! Can Gene manage to put this aside and do his duty or will the brother continue his life of crime? And what about Selby, the guy who Gene's brother works for....can Gene stop him as well?

The plot involving the brother is quite predictable. B-western fans will know exactly where the story will go, as this isn't too uncommon a western cliche...the good guy who has a brother who's gone bad. Despite this, it's a decent film....better than I expected so late in Autry's career.

It's interesting that the baddie, Art Selby, is played by Robert Livingston. This is because up until later in his career, Livingston was known for playing heroes...such as in the Three Mesquiteers series. Here, he's evidently gone bad! Also, in most films, Smiley is pretty useless and is strictly in the film to sing and be a dopey sidekick. I appreciate this one as he isn't useless at all and even manages to shoot two raiders who are attacking the stage coach. As for Gene, he doesn't hit any of them. Way to go, Smiley!