Yodelin' Kid from Pine Ridge

Beats me why The Western Channel only rated this entry a 1 out of 4. It's easily one of Gene's best. Great mix of hard riding, fast shooting, big cast, and scenic location, plus Gene's way with a song. And get a load of that jug band. They could make music with a bathtub. Gene's trying to bring peace between cattlemen and turpentiners, all the while baddie LeRoy Mason is rustling and blaming it on the turpentiners. Got to admit this is first time I've seen turpentine trees involved in a plot, but it is a change from the standard formula. Look for some good stunt work, plus the grinning aside that the cowboys are just shooting blanks—a joke that I guess stayed in. Looks like one trip-wire episode with a horse going suddenly head over heels-- I hope I'm wrong. Anyhow, Frog gets to cut-up, this time as an impresario of a big time pageant show! And with a moustache, no less. All in all, a fine Autry mix, thanks to Republic. Next time The Western Channel ought to watch a movie before rating it.

A "9" on the matinée scale.