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

Fun Autry Fact:

According to a 1953 fan magazine estimate, if all the recordings that Gene sold were stacked one atop of the other, the pile would be 57 miles high.

Film Info

The Singing Cowboy

1936
Republic Pictures
Production #: 3572
56 minutes

Synopsis:
Gene Autry becomes the guardian of little Lou Ann Stevens when her father is killed by his shady partner, Martin, who has secretly discovered a rich goldmine on their ranch. Heir to her father's share, Lou Ann is seriously injured in a stable fire and needs a life-saving brain operation. To raise the money for the procedure, Gene, and his pal Frog Millhouse, organize a hillbilly orchestra and convince the President of the Covered Wagon Coffee Company, Henry Blake, to sponsor them on a tour to be broadcast via the new medium of television. Blake's daughter, Helen, runs away and joins Gene's orchestra as an amateur without telling them who she is, causing problems for her father. The doctor tells Gene that Lou Ann needs surgery immediately, so he borrows money against his contract. To take full possession of the ranch, Martin realizes he must stop Gene. Martin's gang steals Gene's wagon, halting the broadcast and ruining Gene's contract, thus threatening his loan. Gene rides all night searching for his wagon, making a surprise visit to the ranch and finds Martin, preparing for a getaway. Gene arrests Martin and turns him over to the sheriff, ensuring a successful operation for Lou Ann.

Cast:

Character: Performer:
Gene Autry Gene Autry
Frog Millhouse Smiley Burnette
Helen Blake/Nell Bradley Lois Wilde
Martin Lon Chaney, Jr.
Lou Ann Stevens Ann Gillis
Professor Sandow Earl Hodgins
Henry Blake Harvey Clark
Stevens John Van Pelt
Herbert Trenton Earl Eby
Bill Ken Cooper
Mayor Harrison Green
Jack Wes Warner
Sheriff Jack Rockwell
Kirk Tracy Layne
Champion Champion

Songs:

THERE'S AN EMPTY COT IN THE BUNKHOUSE TONIGHT Gene Autry, Extras
YA HOO Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Extras
WE'RE ON THE AIR Gene Autry, Extras
TRUE BLUE BILL Gene Autry
RAINBOW TRAIL Gene Autry, Lois Wilde
DOWN IN SLUMBERLAND Gene Autry
WE'RE ON THE AIR Gene Autry, Extras
RAINBOW TRAIL Lois Wilde
SCATTIN' Snowflake, Extras
THE NEW JASSACKAPHONE Smiley Burnette
WASHBOARD AND ROOM Frankie Marvin
MY OLD SADDLE PAL Gene Autry
I'LL BE THINKING OF YOU, LITTLE GAL Gene Autry, Earl Hodgins
RAINBOW TRAIL Gene Autry

Crew:

Producer Nat Levine
Director Mack Wright
Supervisor Armand Schaefer
Screenplay Dorrell and Stuart McGowan
Original Story Tom Gibbons
Supervising Editor Joseph H. Lewis
Photography William Nobles, Edgar Lyons
Sound Engineer Terry Kellum
Film Editor Lester Orlebeck
Musical Supervision Harry Grey
Songs Smiley Burnette, Oliver Drake

Watch a Clip from The Singing Cowboy: