As someone who loves movies, horses and country music, it is beyond easy for me to see why Gene Autry was the idol of some many red blood American boys in the 1930's. There are some many times, I wish I could ride a horse like he rides Champion, or write a co-write a song as beautiful and moving as That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine (which Gene sang in his very first feature film, Tumbling Tumbleweeds (1935), as well as in his early movie serial The Phantom Empire (1935)) or as fun as Back in the Saddle Again (featured in the classic feature films, Rovin' Tumbleweeds (1935) and Back in the Saddle Again (1941)).
Watching his films I forget all about any adult criticisms such as the stories being very similar, cliché and predictable. Rather I become a little kid again, as I daydream about riding a beautiful horse from town to town helping out anyone who is in trouble. Along the way I'll pick up my guitar and play and sing some beautiful good old fashioned country music. I want to be a rodeo star, I want to be a hero, I want to be a country singer, I want to be a cowboy, but most of all I want to be that man I see up there on the screen. It is no wonder that ever the most city-fied young boy would want to be a cowboy after watching these films. After all who wouldn't?
Luckily from all accounts Gene took very well to his role as the hero of kids of all ages. He always had time for his fans and this was especially true of children. This dedication is shown in an article for Boxoffice magazine dated August 6, 1938. Here is that article below.
"Gene Autry spent an hour and a half at the Republic exchange, Tuesday morning, greeting hundreds of children (of all ages and races) with exhibitors pushing their way into the establishment to shake the hand of their big box office star. Used to handling traffic, exhibitors acted as ushers to hurry in and out hundreds of Gene Autry fans. Jim Alexander, local Republic distributor had the front doors lifted from their hinges in anticipation of the crowd.
"Autry and his personal representative, George Goodale, were pleased to greet the bashful smiling kiddies and exhibitors who had brought their own children, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and even mother in laws.
"Public Cowboy No. 1 shook the hands of each person who greeted him and signed many autographs. There were a number of photographers whom he accommodated. He had 'Champion' his 'old Faithful' horse along and a mighty cheer went up when he mounted the beautiful steed and waved his hat to the crowd. Alexander, Fineburg and Collins, who have just announced a new five-year contract with Republic announced that autographed photos of the singing cowboy would be available to all who called at the exchange. They didn't forget a thing to cheer everyone present. Dozens of cases of ice cold '7 Up' beverage were served with the compliments of the local distributors. Traffic on the Blvd. of the Allies was stopped for blocks.
"Autry packed 'em in this week at the Stanley Theater, giving the de luxe house its best business in years. He had a very busy schedule, playing extra shows, appearing on special radio broadcasts, visiting at the hospitals, etc. - R.F.K."
It is always great when someone who is admired by so many children lives up to his image, and takes time out just to make these children happy. As a child at heart I would have loved to be there myself.
To see the article on the original page with a picture from the event, click here.
The picture used for this post is from The Man From Music Mountain (1938), one of my favorite Gene Autry movies and even includes Gene singing Good Bye Pinto, one of my favorite of his songs.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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