Directed by Joe Kane
Starring Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette, Carol Hughes, the Maple City Four
Over at my other blog, we’ve been really excited about what the folks at Film Masters have been up to. In addition to their line of nice restorations packed with all sorts of goodies on Blu-Ray, they’ve kicked off a run of more obscure pictures on DVD. So far, each title has been a significant improvement on anything that’s been available before.
Now they’ve turned their attention to a Western, Roy Rogers’ first film as a Republic star, Under Western Stars (1938). Republic wanted to get their new singing cowboy off to a good start, and this picture really delivers. Roy’s trying to help local farmers get the water they need, winning a spot in Congress along the way. (The film’s story of Southern California water rights in the late 30s would be revisited in 1974’s Chinatown.)
Roy is joined by Smiley Burnette and Carol Hughes. He sings a few songs, accompanied by the Maple City Four. One of them, “Dust,” would be nominated for an Oscar.
Directed by Joe Kane and shot by Jack Marta, you know it’s terrific, even if Roy seems a little uncomfortable in a lead role. Not exactly sure when this will be coming out, but I’m sure it’ll be a quality release. Highly, highly recommended.
A few years ago “TCM” showed “The trail of Robin Hood” starring Roy Rogers” the quality was spectacular!… Does anyone know if “Paramount “ will eventually release it to DVD”?
Aurel Vanier
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