The Gene Autry Show

IN THOSE EARLY days of network TV, the two friendly rival singing cowboys made a very easy transition from the "B" Western movies to the TV screen. Gene Autry went to CBS in prime-time, while Roy made his niche in Saturday mornings on NBC. There was room for both in this live and let live world.

AS FOR THE differences between the two series, Roy & spouse, Dale Evans, held court in contemporary day "Mineral City", whereas Gene was operating in the Old West of no particular locale.

IT WAS EVIDENT that Autry was a sort of vagabond trouble shooter, wandering the range in search of those in need of his help. Gene was a sort of modern day Knight Errant of American frontier. His expertise was availed to many an inept town Marshall or sheriff, who just couldn't put some gang or other in the hoosegow without the aid of Gene, his prize Palomino Champion and comic relief stooge, Pat Buttram.

OWING HIS START in show biz to the same venue as Mr. Autry's, Country & Western music, Pat also came out of the cast of regulars of the Radio Show, THE NATIONAL BARN DANCE, from Station WLS in Chicago. His talents were much in evidence during the course of an episode. His antics as a sort of inept assistant to the big guy were so valued that they were given their own musical theme on the score.

THE STORIES WERE standard brains-heavy and grubby henchmen gangs doing any assortment of dirty deeds to the good citizens of various hamlets. At end of story, the baddies were all jailed and the towns people were vindicated. The local lawman couldn't have done it without Gene, Pat & Champion.

WE RECALL THAT Gene personally did a commercial for his sponsor, Wrigley's Doublemint Gum. "You can chew it while doing your home work.", says Mr. Autry.

THERE WAS ALSO an announcement that came at program's end. With an on screen shot of Gene riding Champion, who did a sort of bow, while the announcer said:

"Be sure to see Gene Autry and Champion in their latest

movie at your local theatre!"

WE THEN ASKED:

"Hey Ma, where's the Local Theatre?"

I've always been a huge fan of Gene Autry movies but haven't seen many of the TV episodes until recently. America's Favorite Cowboy and Patriot was a great discovery by Will Rogers. He had millions of young fans so as a good role model he developed a code of conduct, "The Cowboy Code". The best comic sidekick extraordinaire, Pat Buttram made each episode a joy to behold. Of course he went on to play the most beloved character in TV history, Mr. Haney on Green Acres. Who can forget the wonder horse Champion? Champion was fast, intelligent and a sight to behold.

Of the episodes I have watched, they are extremely well written, directed and produced. With the incredible cast of actors, they were able to produce the same great quality as the Gene Autry movies into 30 minutes of pure delight. Gene Autry was able turn everything he touched into gold. With his over 200 songs and successful career and businesses he was able to amass over 300 million dollars at the time of his death. His success was well earned and Gene Autry was a gift to the world that is priceless.

In the Fifties the two top singing cowboy stars decided to enter the new medium of television each with a half hour series. Gene Autry for the most part operated out of the Flying Crown Ranch and note that his producing company was Flying Crown Productions while Roy Rogers continued to work out of the Double R Bar Ranch.

We always got a song out of Gene as he managed to do in thirty minutes what he did in his 60 minute B westerns, route the bad guys and kiss the horse. Gene rarely got too romantic with the girl in his films and television was no exception.

In his movies Gene's perennial sidekick was Smiley Burnette playing the vocally challenged Frog. For television he took on a new sidekick Pat Buttram, later to be made more famous by appearing in Green Acres as the lovable country con man Mr. Haney.

This man didn't miss a thing in turning a buck. He produced his own television shows, had a hand in writing a lot of the songs he made famous, and did quite well in the merchandising and personal appearances. And later on he was co-owner of the California Angels.

Pretty good for a kid from Tioga, Texas.

As a fan of Gene Autry since before the fantastically entertaining tv show, I need to point out that the tv show was never called "Melody Ranch." "Melody Ranch" was the name of the radio show than ran from 1940 until 1955 or 56. There has never been that much interest in the radio show, and it is one of the better shows put together, great production values. During his war service, according to announcements on those shows, Gene continued the "Melody Ranch" show but at a Sergeant's pay, not as a cowboy star. Gene was a real patriot all the way round.