My Pal Trigger (1946)

 

Maybe it is the horse lover in me, but My Pal Trigger stands as my favorite Roy Rogers movie and with how much I love these films this is saying a lot. I am in good company as Roy himself considered this movie to be his favorite that he made. 

This film tells a fictionalized story about how Roy met his famous horse. Roy is a horse trader who wants to mate his mare with rancher Gabby's (Gabby Hayes (a regular in Roy's movies at this time)) star stallion. Gabby refuses this offer, feeling that Roy's horse is not good enough. When the villainous Brett Scoville (Jack Holt (who would later play a major role in Roy's movie, Trail of Robin Hood (1950))) steals Gabby's horse, the stallion escapes and finds and mates with Roy's mare. Brett tracks the stallion down and accidently kills him. Gabby accuses Roy of this killing and our cowboy hero must go on the lam. The mare gives birth to a colt, who Roy names Trigger. 

This story may be a bit corny and predictable at times but throughout his career, Roy Rogers had a talent for making something that would be corny and predictable in other hands feel sincere and heartfelt (one just needs to listen to the many children songs he recorded). Sincerity is the main reason this movie works so well. Everything is so heartfelt and put together with care that the film simply becomes irresistible. There is more drama here than there is in the average Roy Rogers movie with some scenes that pack a surprising emotional punch. These scenes show that Roy is much better actor than he is often given credit for. Yet this does not mean that the film in any way is lacking in the fast paced action and great country music that all of us want from a Roy Rogers movie. Director Frank McDonald (who directed 3 other Roy Rogers movies in 1946 alone (Song of Arizona, Rainbow Over Texas and Under Nevada Skies (as well as the Gene Autry picture Sioux City Sue of the same year))) keeps the action moving at a brisk fast pace that is simply a joy to watch. Roy Rogers, Dale Evans (who the following year would marry Roy) and the Sons of the Pioneers (one of the greatest country music groups of all time and one that Roy was a founding member of) are all at the top of their game here and remind us just why we love vintage country music so much.

Some musical highlights include the lovely wistful and nostalgic Livin' Western Style (sung by Roy and written by Don Swander and June Hershey (the team that wrote Deep of the Heart of Texas)), the lively western swing number Harriet (sung by Roy and Dale and written by Abel Baer and Paul Cunningham (the team that wrote Piggy Wiggy Woo)) and fast paced and fun Alla En El Rancho Grande (performed by The Sons of the Pioneers, a Spanish langue song written by Silvano Ramos with some English lyrics by Bartley Costello). The last of those songs listed has also been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and Gene Autry. 

Showman's Trade Review, 1947

The following is an article from Showman's Trade Review (dated June 29, 1946). "Republic Pictures has announced an unique, nation-wide contest in connection with the forth coming release of 'My Pal Trigger,' Roy Rogers outdoor film in which $1000 in cash prizes will be donated to the authors of the best names of twin colts sired by Trigger, star movie horse. Birth of the twin colts is an integral part of the film's plot. The contest has been especially designed to enable participating exhibitors to stage local contests, coincident with their showing of the film. While Republic has announced that $1000 in cash will be divided among 18 national winners, selected from the best five entries from each theatre participating. There is nothing in the contest rules to prevent exhibitors rom promoting additional prizes locally for the best five local entries, these to be selected by exhibitors or by a board of local judges of their own choosing. Contest aids have been prepared by Republic, including two-color window cards suitable for lobby display ; contest blanks telling the contest story ; special publicity stories planned for local planting with newspapers, etc. Contest blanks are intended for distribution through schools, stores, clubs, milk companies, etc. All contests aids are to be made available to exhibitors without charge. The press book for 'My Pal Trigger' suggests that exhibitors contact local branches of The Roy Rogers Fan Clun for exploitation plans for the pictures. Entries in the Colt naming contest close December 31, 1946."

The following is a review from Photoplay Magazine. "Like all films of this series, this is a very good Roy Rogers and an excellent Trigger up to all sorts of tricks to insure you a fine western. The picture is tightknit, has genuine sincerity, is filled with well worked suspense. Rogers is accused of killing the great Golden Sovereign; after being bailed out of jail, he clears town in a hurry. In the midst of his wandering his Mare Lady, presents him with a foal, Trigger, the image of Golden Sovereign. From there on in Roy and Trigger fight their way over a rough western road to handshakes for Roy from his old enemy and laurel wreaths for Trigger. Familiar faces grace the struggle - George "Gabby" Hayes, Dale Evans and Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers. If you're in mind to go west for a couple of hours buy your ticket. The trip will turn out fine. Your Reviewer Says: Roy and Trigger know their monkey business."

Motion Picture Herald, 1944