Watch The Singing Cowboy

The Singing Cowboy is a classic Western musical film from 1936 starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and Lois Wilde. Autry plays Gene Autry, a singing cowboy who is trying to raise money for a children's hospital. He encounters a group of ranchers who are being swindled by a local businessman who is trying to take their land. Autry and Burnette team up to stop the bad guys and save the ranchers.

The movie opens with Autry riding into town on his horse, Champion, and singing the popular song "Back in the Saddle Again." We learn that Autry is a popular radio star who is using his fame to raise money for the children's hospital. He meets up with his friend, Frog Millhouse (Burnette), and they soon find themselves caught up in the land dispute when one of the ranchers, Mary Ford (Wilde), approaches them for help.

The ranchers are being forced off their land by a crooked businessman, Ed James (played by William Farnum), who is posing as a government land agent. James is using his power to manipulate the ranchers into signing over their land to him. Autry and Frog decide to help the ranchers fight back against James and his henchmen.

The Singing Cowboy is a classic Western, complete with shootouts, horse chases, and dusty saloons. But it is also a musical, featuring Autry's distinctive voice and catchy songs. The movie even includes a scene in which Autry and Burnette perform a duet while riding their horses.

One of the standout musical numbers in the movie is "Ridin' All Day," which Autry sings to Champion as they ride across the open range. The song captures the spirit of the Old West and Autry's love for his trusty horse. Another memorable song is "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine," which Autry sings to a group of ranchers as they sit around a campfire. The poignant lyrics reflect on the passing of time and the importance of family.

The Singing Cowboy is also notable for its portrayal of women in a male-dominated genre. Mary Ford is not just a damsel in distress - she is a strong-willed woman who stands up for herself and her fellow ranchers. When the men are hesitant to take action against James, Mary proposes a plan and takes charge of the situation. She even gets to join in on the action-packed finale, riding her horse alongside Autry and Frog.

The Singing Cowboy was a popular film when it was released in 1936, and it has since become a beloved classic. Autry's charm and likability make him a perfect leading man, and his singing voice is still as powerful as ever. The movie is a rare combination of Western and musical genres, and it strikes a perfect balance between action and music. The Singing Cowboy is a must-see for fans of classic Westerns and musicals alike.

In conclusion, The Singing Cowboy is a true gem of a film that combines action, music, and heart in a way that only Gene Autry could. Autry's performance is charming and earnest, and the movie's supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story. The Singing Cowboy is a classic that has stood the test of time and continues to entertain audiences today.

The Singing Cowboy is a 1936 western with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.