Rovin' Tumbleweeds

Rovin' Tumbleweeds

Theatrical release poster
Directed by George Sherman
Produced by William Berke (associate producer)
Written by
Starring
Music by Raoul Kraushaar (supervisor)
Cinematography William Nobles
Edited by Tony Martinelli
Production
company
Distributed by Republic Pictures
Release dates
  • November 16, 1939 (1939-11-16) (U.S.)
Running time
 64 minutes[1]
Country United States
Language English

Rovin' Tumbleweeds is a 1939 American Western film directed by George Sherman and starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette and Mary Carlisle. Written by Betty Burbridge, Dorrell McGowan, and Stuart E. McGowan, the film is about a cowboy congressman who exposes a crooked politician who is delaying passage of a flood control bill.[2]

Plot

Following a disastrous flood of the Green River, the ranchers of the valley are forced to abandon their land and migrate to neighboring Rand County. They are met with hostility by the citizens of Randville, who feel threatened by the influx of the dispossessed. The Green River ranchers find a friend in Gene Autry (Gene Autry), a cowboy who accepts a job singing on the local radio station in order to finance relief efforts.

Unknown to Gene and the migrant ranchers, Stephen Holloway (Douglass Dumbrille), the owner of the Rand Development Company, is conspiring with Congressman Fuller (Gordon Hart) to block a flood control bill in Congress until he can drive the ranchers out and buy up their land. When the citizens of Randville become disenchanted with Fuller, Holloway persuades an unwitting Gene to run for Congress on a flood control platform. After being elected, Gene goes to Washington, accompanied by his sidekick Frog Millhouse (Smiley Burnette) and Mary Ford (Mary Carlisle), the radio station reporter who quit her job to become Gene's secretary.

Six months later, tensions increase between the migrant ranchers and the citizens of Randville. In Washington, Gene finds it difficult to accomplish anything, stymied by the red tape of Congressional procedures and the secret efforts of Holloway's lobbyist. After his efforts to pass a flood control bill are defeated, Gene returns to Randville in the midst of another torrential downpour. The valley narrowly avoids disaster when Gene rallies the migrants to fight the raging river. Holloway finally realizes the importance of flood control and agrees to support Gene's bill.

Cast

Production

Stuntwork

Stuntwork on the film was performed by Joe Yrigoyen (Gene's double), Jack Kirk (Smiley's double), and David Sharpe.[3]

Filming locations

Rovin' Tumbleweeds was filmed on location in Burro Flats in Simi Hills, California, Corriganville, and the Chatsworth Railroad Station.[1]

Soundtrack

Memorable lines

Gene Autry: Well, that won't break my heart.
Frog Millhouse: Who's going to run in his place?
Mary Ford: Gene!
Gene Autry: Say, did you land on your head?
Mary Ford: The evidence points to the other extremity.
Mary Ford: You were no radio singer, either, until I shoved a microphone in front of you.
Gene Autry: Well, here's my way of taking care of boys like you. [Gene slugs him]

References

Citations
  1. 1 2 3 Magers, p. 146.
  2. 1 2 Magers, pp. 146–147.
  3. ↑ Magers, p. 147.
Bibliography
  • George-Warren, Holly (2007). Public Cowboy no. 1: The Life and Times of Gene Autry. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195177466. 
  • Green, Douglas B. (2002). Singing in the Saddle: The History of the Singing Cowboy. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 978-0826514127. 
  • Magers, Boyd (2007). Gene Autry Westerns. Madison, NC: Empire Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-0944019498. 
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