The Official Website of Gene Autry, America's Favorite Singing Cowboy

Fun Autry Fact:

Gene was the first Western star to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Film Info

The Old Barn Dance

1938
Republic Pictures
Production #: 707
60 minutes

Synopsis:
Gene Autry's horse auctioning business is cut to almost nothing when the Harvester Company begins selling tractors to farmers. In order to earn money, Gene and his cowboy band accept an offer to perform on Sally Dawson's small radio station as a regular feature. He soon learns that the sponsor of his program is the same unscrupulous tractor company, so he, Frog Millhouse, and the troupe refuse to do any more broadcasts and leave town. Continuing Gene's show with transcription recordings, the Harvester Company begins foreclosing on the farmers, who can't meet the monthly payments. In turn, the farmers believe they have been double-crossed by Gene, who returns to clear his good name by destroying the recordings. Also destroyed is the only evidence of the true aims of the Harvester Company. Frog, Sally, and her younger brother Johnny piece the record together and with Gene expose the company for the crooks they really are. Gene and the boys go back on the radio, and the farmers are freed of their unwarranted obligation.

Cast:

Character: Performer:
Gene Autry Gene Autry
Frog Millhouse Smiley Burnette
Sally Dawson Helen Valkis
Johnny Dawson Sammy McKim
Thornton Ivan Miller
Clem Earl Dwire
Maxwell Hooper Atchley
Buck Raphael Bennett
Peabody Carleton Young
Cowboy Frankie Marvin
Terwilliger Earle Hodgins
Singer Gloria Rich
Musical Group Walter Shrum and His Colorado Hillbillies
Musical Group Stafford Sisters
Maple City Four Maple City Four
Square-Dance Caller Dick Weston
Champion Champion

Songs:

TEN LITTLE MILES Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Frankie Marvin, Extras
OLD NELL Smiley Burnette
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROSE Gene Autry
EATING WAX Walter Shrum and His Colorado Hillbillies
SHE'LL BE COMIN' AROUND THE MOUNTAIN Stafford Sisters
AT THE OLD BARN DANCE/THEN AND NOW Gene Autry
AT THE OLD BARN DANCE Gene Autry, Extras
ROAMIN' AROUND THE RANGE Gene Autry
THE NEW JASSACKAPHONE Smiley Burnette
THE TREE IN THE WOOD Maple City Four
THE LADY WANTS TO DANCE Unknown Singer
OLD CHISHOLM TRAIL Gene Autry
AT THE OLD BARN DANCE Gene Autry, Walter Shrum and His Colorado Hillbillies

Crew:

Director Joe Kane
Associate Producer Sol C. Siegel
Original Screenplay Bernard McConville, Charles Francis Royal
Production Manager Al Wilson
Unit Manager Arthur Siteman
Photography Ernest Miller
Film Editor Lester Orlebeck
Musical Director Alberto Colombo
Songs Jack Lawrence, Peter Tinturin, Smiley Burnette, Frankie Marvin, Colorado Hillbillies

Watch a Clip from The Old Barn Dance: