Mule Train

"Mule Train" is about the strangest Gene Autry films I've seen apart from his ultra-weird serial "The Phantom Empire". This is because although the film has some of the usual cliches, its plot is so unusual and definitely not one you'd expect in any western!

In "Mule Train", there's going to be a new dam out west. But when natural mineral deposits are discovered nearby that could make it easy and cheap to make cement for the dam, some baddies kill the man who discovered this. Why? Because they own wagons which the dam builders will need to transport cement to the dam site....and they don't want to lose this business. To help them, they have a lady sheriff (huh???) who will do whatever they tell her. Into this messy situation, Gene and Pat arrive. But Gene doesn't let anyone know he's a federal marshal....and he just lets the sheriff think he's just some guy.

While I liked the odd plot, I did find the lady sheriff to be a bit annoying. It seemed odd to have a woman in such a role (even in 1950) but instead of it being a liberating situation where women get equal time, she seems pretty cliched...especially when she, like so many other women in B-westerns, takes an inexplicable instant dislike for Gene. Sure she's evil...but not exactly subtle nor believable. Overall, an okay film with a neat theme song.

John Miljan has a gold mine of cement but Autry's real life friend, Robert Livingston stands to lose a fortune if they use it to build the dam. Autry is also aiming for gorgeous sheriff Sheila Ryan in more ways than one. Can't tell you if he was successful but lucky Pat Buttram eventually did get the girl a few years later as his wife. Comic relief specialist, Vince Barnett has some great scenes as the barber who never actually finishes the job. But Syd Saylor, is somewhat out of his element as the serious deputy but he handles the role well. Also, great to see versatile actor and Autry's stunt double Sandy Sanders. Great to hear Gene sing the hit title song and Pat even provides a good one of his own.

US Marshal Gene Autry arrives in a small town to find that Sheila Ryan, ex-carnival trick-rider and rifle shot, is the sheriff, and looking to do a good job too, as she threatens Autry for arrest with fighting in the street. Autry is mostly there to see to the interests of Pat Buttram, who has inherited a deposit of natural cement. He proposes to use it in the town's construction of a dam. This suits everyone except Robert Livingston and associates, who have a contract for hauling in stone for the dam.

Autry sings the title song, recently a hit for Frankie Laine, three times, and the story has some interesting twists and turns as Buttram tries to play matchmaker between Autry and Miss Ryan. Autry's vehicles for Columbia remain a cut above the other contemporary B westerns, providing some interesting performances for Autry's regular company of performers, with Buttram given a more serious role than usual.

Songs blend pretty well. Buttram bumbles amusingly. Marshall Gene helps old friend Smokey establish worthiness of natural-cement-deposit on inheirited land. This doesn't sit well with Sam Brady, who's freight company transports crushed stone to earthen dam being built by local cattlemen. Also in mix is lady Sheriff Carol, who's in cahoots with Brady; and banker Clayton Hodges, who's loan to Brady is too big. An average effort of it's kind.

In my book, it's superior Autry—fine Lone Pine photography, an unusual plot with a major twist, and a rare dramatic role for the usually buffoonish Pat Buttram. Plus, there's the big hit song of that year, Mule Train, which may not be tuneful but is a lot of fun for a song.

Meanwhile, Gene has to hide his marshal's badge in order to help entrepreneur Buttram make a success in selling cement, of all things. Seems, however, some guys in suits want to keep the business for themselves, so the good guys have a problem. Then again, maybe the sheriff will help, except she's a girl (Ryan) even if she is a deadly shot.

Those wagon trains add hard-riding color, plus the exploding canyon is mostly well done. Still, I wonder about the same mountaintop that blows up 4-times over! (I think). And certainly Sheila Ryan makes for the kind of sheriff you'd like to get arrested by. Here, she may be fixing dinner for Autry, but it's really Buttram she ends up with after their meeting on the set (IMDB)—married in 1952.

All in all, there's enough good cowboy action and moody mountain scenery to keep this old Front Row kid happy.