Under Western Stars

Plot

Roy Rogers stars in his debut leading role as Roy Rogers, a cowboy who becomes concerned when his fellow ranchers suffer from a severe drought that threatens their livelihoods. Determined to help his community, Roy runs for Congress and wins, traveling to Washington D.C. to fight for legislation that would bring a government-funded water project to his drought-stricken district. In the nation's capital, Roy discovers he needs the crucial support of Congressman Martin (Guy Usher), a powerful but skeptical politician who controls the fate of the water bill. Roy convinces the congressman to visit his district to witness the desperate conditions firsthand, but when Martin remains unimpressed by the initial inspection, Roy orchestrates a strategic move by stranding the inspection party in the desert without water. This dramatic demonstration forces the congressman to experience the harsh reality of the drought, ultimately leading to his support for the water project and victory for the ranchers.

Historical Background

Released in 1938, 'Under Western Stars' emerged during the later years of the Great Depression and the height of the Dust Bowl crisis, when water rights and government assistance to farmers were major national issues. The film reflected the New Deal era's focus on federal intervention to solve regional problems, with its plot about government-funded water projects mirroring real-world programs like the Tennessee Valley Authority. The western genre was experiencing a renaissance as audiences sought escapist entertainment that also addressed contemporary concerns. Republic Pictures, known for its efficient production of B-movies, was competing with major studios' A-westerns and needed a new star to replace the temporarily unavailable Gene Autry. The film's release coincided with growing American concern about European political developments, though its domestic focus provided a comforting alternative to international tensions. The singing cowboy subgenre was at its peak popularity, with audiences embracing the combination of western action and musical entertainment that defined films like this one.

Making Of

The production of 'Under Western Stars' came at a crucial time for Republic Pictures, as the studio was in dispute with their biggest star, Gene Autry. Studio head Herbert Yates saw potential in Roy Rogers, who had been appearing in small roles and as Autry's double. The film was rushed into production to capitalize on Autry's absence. Rogers, whose real name was Leonard Slye, was nervous about his first leading role but impressed director Joseph Kane with his natural screen presence and singing ability. The film's political elements were added to make it stand out from typical westerns, with writers Barry Barringer and Betty Burbridge incorporating contemporary concerns about New Deal programs and government intervention in western water issues. The desert scenes were filmed at Iverson Ranch, a popular location for westerns, where the cast and crew endured real heat and dust conditions to authenticate the drought setting. Rogers' horse Trigger, who would become his famous co-star, was not yet his regular mount but appeared in the film, beginning their legendary partnership.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Republic Pictures regular William Bradford, utilized the studio's efficient approach to visual storytelling while creating effective western imagery. The film employed natural lighting for the extensive outdoor sequences, particularly the desert scenes that were crucial to the plot. Bradford made effective use of the California locations, particularly the Iverson Ranch's distinctive rock formations, to create an authentic western atmosphere without expensive location shooting. The camera work during the musical numbers followed the standard approach of the period, with medium shots that kept both Rogers and his co-stars in frame while emphasizing the performance aspects. The drought-stricken landscape was effectively conveyed through wide shots that emphasized the barren terrain and through careful composition that highlighted the absence of water. The Washington D.C. sequences used studio sets and backdrops, but Bradford managed to create a sense of contrast between the political world and the western setting through different lighting techniques and camera angles. The action sequences, while modest by later standards, were shot with clarity and energy that served the story effectively.

Innovations

While 'Under Western Stars' was not a groundbreaking technical film, it demonstrated Republic Pictures' mastery of efficient B-movie production techniques. The film was completed in just 12 days of shooting, utilizing the studio's assembly-line approach to filmmaking that maximized productivity while maintaining acceptable quality standards. The production team effectively blended location shooting with studio work, creating a convincing western setting without the expense of extensive location filming. The sound recording successfully captured both dialogue and musical numbers, a technical challenge for lower-budget productions of the era. The film's editing, handled by Robert M. Crandall, maintained good pacing throughout its 68-minute runtime, effectively balancing action, drama, and musical elements. Republic's use of standing sets and stock footage helped keep costs down while maintaining visual variety. The film's technical competence in delivering an entertaining product on a modest budget was itself an achievement that contributed to Republic's reputation as one of Hollywood's most efficient producers of genre films.

Music

The film's soundtrack was typical of Republic Pictures' singing cowboy productions, featuring several musical numbers performed by Roy Rogers that helped establish his musical persona. The songs included 'Dusty Trails,' 'I'm a Natural Born Cowboy,' and 'Under Western Stars,' with music composed by Republic staff composers and lyrics by various songwriters. The musical numbers were integrated into the narrative rather than serving as mere interruptions, with Rogers often singing to express his character's emotions or to advance the plot. The score, conducted by Republic's musical director, utilized standard western musical motifs while incorporating contemporary popular music elements that appealed to 1930s audiences. The sound quality was typical of Republic's productions of the era, with clear dialogue recording and balanced musical accompaniment. The film's title song, 'Under Western Stars,' became one of Rogers' signature tunes and was featured in several of his subsequent films. The soundtrack was released on 78 rpm records by various labels, capitalizing on Rogers' growing popularity as a recording artist as well as a film star.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic desert sequence where Roy Rogers strands the congressman and his inspection party without water, forcing them to experience the true hardship of the drought and convincingly demonstrating the urgency of the water project.
• Roy's musical performance of 'Under Western Stars' around the campfire, establishing his singing cowboy persona and providing emotional resonance to the ranchers' struggle.
• The congressional floor scene where Roy delivers his passionate speech about western water rights, showcasing his character's growth from cowboy to political advocate.
• The final celebration scene where the water project is approved, bringing together the entire community in a joyous musical number that resolves the film's central conflict.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception was generally positive for a B-western, with Variety praising Rogers' 'natural appeal' and noting that the film 'should prove a solid programmer for the circuit.' The Motion Picture Herald called it 'a satisfactory western with good musical interludes' and predicted success for its new star. Modern critics recognize the film as historically important despite its modest production values, with the New York Times later including it in retrospectives of significant western films. Film historian Jeanine Basinger has noted that the film 'established the template for Rogers' subsequent career and demonstrated Republic's ability to create stars from within.' While not considered an artistic masterpiece, the film is acknowledged as an effective example of its genre and a significant milestone in the development of the singing cowboy subgenre. The film's political elements have been analyzed by scholars as reflecting contemporary American attitudes toward government intervention during the New Deal period.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with the film performing well at the box office and establishing Roy Rogers as a major star. Moviegoers responded enthusiastically to Rogers' combination of singing, action, and wholesome heroism, leading to packed theaters in both urban and rural areas. The film's success was particularly notable in smaller towns and western states, where its themes of water rights and ranchers' struggles resonated with local audiences. Fan mail to Republic Pictures increased dramatically after the film's release, with many viewers requesting more Roy Rogers movies. The positive audience response convinced Republic Pictures to invest heavily in promoting Rogers as their new western star, leading to a long and profitable partnership. The film's popularity extended beyond its initial theatrical run, with successful re-releases throughout the 1940s. Contemporary audience polls consistently ranked Rogers among the most popular western stars following this film's success, demonstrating its lasting impact on public perception of the actor.

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