Rovin' Tumbleweeds

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Rovin' Tumbleweeds

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Plot

While James Stewart was filibustering from his senator's pulpit in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Gene Autry battled congressional bureaucracy in Rovin' Tumbleweeds, which barely could call itself a Western. Gene runs for a congressional seat in order to pass a flood control bill that would save a group of dispossessed ranchers and farmers, the victims of a disastrous storm. But once elected, the hero's best efforts are thwarted by greedy meat packing plant owner Holloway (Douglas Dumbrille), who lobbies against him. With another storm brewing and Autry's only political ally, Senator Nolan (William Farnum), killed in a car accident, all hope seems gone. But when Gene rallies his troops in a climactic battle, even Holloway catches the community spirit and the valley is saved. Taking time out from fighting both political corruption and the elements, Gene, Smiley Burnette, and the Pals of the Golden West perform "Paradise in the Moonlight," "Ole Peaceful River," Rovin' Tumbleweeds," and other favorite selections. Rovin' Tumbleweeds has been restored to its original length by Gene Autry Entertainment. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi

Review

Western crooner Gene Autry's entry into Washingtonian politics was released a mere month after James Stewart had taken the same route in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). And the comparisons don't stop there. Like Junior Senator Stewart did in Frank Capra's classic comedy, Congressman Autry finds himself up to his neck in dirty politics. Unlike his colleague, who at least had Jean Arthur on his side, Gene is stuck with Smiley Burnette, Mary Carlisle, a guitar, and director George Sherman, who, although a fine craftsman, was no Capra. Happily, such songs as "Paradise in Moonlight" and "Ole Peaceful River" do much to enliven the tedium of what really is below-par Autry. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, Rovi