Watching Singing Cowboy movies in 2022 requires a distinct level of open-mindedness. These flicks are infused with significant kitsch, and not just in any breaking out of song; we get plenty of antiquated values and hokey dialogue and character interactions, the kind that today are associated most with sitcoms of the 1950s, especially when it comes to any interactions between men and women (or simply how women are written). However, provided one can abide such curiosities, one can also trust that the films of Gene Autry are consistently well-made and entertaining. At their best they can claim some good stunts and action sequences - and even more so in this case, some earnest, clever humor. It's still decidedly ham-handed, but arguably a little less cheesily old-fashioned than some of its kin. It's hard to fathom saying 'Ride, tenderfoot, ride' is perfect, but against all odds, it's pretty fun!
Autry has a great singing voice, and perhaps more importantly swell comedic timing. This goes just as well for regular costar Smiley Burnette, and in this instance, also June Storey and Mary Lee. Factor in plentiful charm to lay atop Winston Miller's screenplay, and just enough meaningful measure of heart, and the result is reliably enjoyable. Why, to Miller's credit (and also story writers Betty Burbridge and Connie Lee), this is even a tad smarter than some similar fare: it seems fully self-aware of the social attitudes in which it's couched, and cheekily takes advantage by playing off them for the sake of the narrative and the comedy. Even for as enjoyable as Autry's features may be, this is a degree of wit I wouldn't anticipate. It's still true that this reflects "simpler entertainment for a simpler time," but sometimes fleeting lighthearted amusement is all that a picture needs to be, and if there is anything more to grasp onto, then all the better.
Saving all the major "heroics" and dramatic music for the climax this time around, it's still duly exciting, and in all the length before that more of a good time that I had frankly assumed. Considered in the broad strokes the plot is nothing super extraordinary, but it's put together well, with strong scene writing and dialogue, and some fine thematic content. No matter the specific flavors of a given moment, director Frank McDonald executes everything with a welcome even-handedness, maintaining balance such that the feature never teeters over the edge of being overbearing, too quickly paced, or excessive in any way. Truth be told I'm kind of impressed; this is substantially better, and more actively engaging, than I ever would have expected of such a title. Even at its most outmoded there's a love of film-making, storytelling, and entertaining that bursts through, and a minor tongue-in-cheek sensibility that only bolsters the sincerity. It remains the case that anyone who has difficulty with older movies, particularly the Singing Cowboy variety of western, won't find anything here to change their mind, yet for abject cinephiles and those otherwise receptive to all the wide possibilities of the medium, there's underappreciated worth here. Don't feel like you need to go out of your way for 'Ride, tenderfoot, ride,' but if you happen to come across it - and perhaps for those who are curious about the genre but only want to dip their toes in - then this is actually an excellent film, deserving of one's time.
