Film Info

1949
Columbia Pictures
Production #: 911
70 minutes

Synopsis:
Ex-Forest Ranger Gene Autry believes he has accidentally killed another Ranger, Carter, when he fires at a dangerous mountain lion. Carter, however, was actually murdered by Bill Wright, associate of lumberman Henry Mitchell, because he discovered a moth infestation in the forest, which, if not reported, would kill the trees, profiting Mitchell and the lumber interest. En route to Texas, Gene discovers the moth infestation and is assigned by the Forest department to supervise spraying the area with DDT from the air. After the first day's spraying, furious farmers blame the DDT for the many animals found poisoned. Gene, however, suspects a strange plane heard flying during the night. Gene's pal, Joe Lucas, discovers the "phantom" plane hidden at the Mitchell Mill and is shot by Wright. Gene confronts Mitchell at his mountain cabin, but walks into a trap. When Joe flies to find Gene and warn him, he deliberately crashes into the cabin. Joe, Wright and Mitchell are killed in the explosion.