Trail to San Antone

Though heavy on plot, this is a solid Autry Western. Gene's trying to help injured jockey (Johnny Duncan) regain his confidence and neighbor (Peggy Stewart) recover her sweepstakes horse. Action takes place in and around Lone Pine, CA, with scenic Mt. Whitney as a backdrop. Photography is especially good with several striking background scenes and few phony process shots or cheaper LA locations. No gun-play or even much hard-riding, but enough action to keep fans happy. Acting is better than average, especially Duncan who makes a convincing discouraged jockey, and Stewart who looks like she was born to be a horse rider. Hollway's comic-relief is a matter of taste and should have been swapped here for the Commdore's (Dorothy Vaughan's) more prickly, less cartoonish, style. Nonetheless, the musical numbers are well staged, especially the closing title song, along with a neat little twist ending. All in all, a rather easy-going entry with a villain (Tris Coffin) who is more ornery than evil.

When the story begins, Gene has just come back from WWII (in real life, he did serve during the war). He and his gang (the always enjoyable Cass County Boys) buy a horse...only to learn that it was stolen...and boy, is their neighbor angry. Now here is where the story gets bizarre. When Gene finds the three thieves, instead of turning them over to the sheriff or hanging them for cattle rustling, he forgives them and gives them a job. Why? Because apparently one of them is a disabled jockey...though I am not sure how this really excuses theft. There's more to the story...such as Gene helping this injured guy make a comeback.

The story was weak. Why didn't they just have Gene help the three guys without them being horse thieves? It would have made a lot more sense. Still, the film isn't terrible and fans of the B-cowboy should enjoy it...others might want to look for a better one.