Gene Autry Collection - Rovin' Tumbleweeds

Rating:
Summary: America's Favourite Cowboy
Review: In fact, Gene Autry was a huge favourite outside the USA too--there are Autry fans all over the world, even into the 21st century. From 1935 to 1953, except for during World War II when he signed up to serve his country, Gene starred in a series of western movies that delighted young and old. His films for Republic Pictures between 1935 and 1946, blended action, comedy, music and even a little romance--a combination that many found irresistable and made "The Singing Cowboy" a major box office star. In 1946, Gene signed on with Columbia, making films that still made good use of his musical talent, but that were more mature, with stronger plot-lines.

Of course, "Rovin' Tumbleweeds" is a Republic production, and while it is not in a class with "South of the Border", "Goldmine in the Sky" or "Colorado Sunset" for example, it is still very enjoyable. The plot involves desperate farmers, trying to hold on to their land, and crooked politicians who only want to line their own pockets--well, some things don't change much, do they ? Gene tries to help the farmers by going to Washington, where he encounters nothing but red tape. Of course, after some good songs--and a few punches--Gene gives us the inevitable happy ending. There are good supporting performances from Douglass Dumbrille, as the very "hissable" villain, and William Farnum as an old Senator.

As a life-long Autry fan, I am delighted to see that some of Gene's classic films are appearing on DVD. The picture quality is excellent. Thanks to Image more Autry titles are coming out, and I hope that this continues. My only question is that, in the case of Hopalong Cassidy, Image is including two titles per DVD--for Gene Autry, we only get one. Gene's films are not lengthy ( except for a few Columbias )--why not have two Autry films on each disc ?

Why was Gene Autry so popular ? Other movie cowboys were taller, handsomer, better actors, more convincing in action scenes etc.
Apart from possessing a singing voice that sold millions of records, my view is that people just loved Gene's personality--friendly, unpretentious yet charismatic. People simply liked the man, and what he represented. A small boy in England first saw Gene on the "Silver Screen" many years ago and immediately became a fan--I still am !