ROY ROGERS IN THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS (1944)

Sniff-Sniff! Can you smell that, my friend? Cause to me; that smells like a pretty damn sweet 69 minute movie made in 1944. It was Directed by: Joseph Kane; and Starred: Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, with Grant Withers. So go on. Give this one a sniff yourself. Trust me. You won't be sorry that you did.


The Yellow Rose of Texas

THE STORY:

When we first heard the shocking news that your father bust out of prison, Betty (Dale Evans), you gave me the distinct impression you didn't want to see him anymore. But hey! Look where we are now? We're here -- standing in his cabin -- with your dear old Dad trying to explain to me that he didn't steal any of the money he was arrested for, it was somebody else.

So I tell you what, my lovely. My old pal Buster (William Haade) and myself are going to look into this matter on your behalf. Yet we will only do so if your father promises us that he won't get into any more mischief.

Besides, if the police ever spots him, I'm sure they'd take out their guns and...

BANG!

Oh! Never mind. But then again that's most probably why what next transpires all rides the range when Buster says to me, 'Well, it looks like you got us into another fine mess, Roy Rogers (Roy Rogers)'. As a daughter dances on a table - a wounded Daddy bleeds in a stable - an insurance man collects his wage - and at the end of the day, a final showdown is shot on a stage.

THE REVIEW:

Over the last couple of weeks I've gotten a lot of stick from readers and friends alike for reviewing these wonderful Roy Rogers movies. 'Why the hell are you reviewing those for?' said one of my regular commentators. Where as another one stated that Roy's adventures should be long forgotten like many other westerns made during this era. Well, where I'm concerned, they can all go stick their opinions where the sun don't shine. Cause to me Roy Rogers and his marvellous films are a testament to both the man and everything he stands for.

Take this film for instance. 'The Yellow Rose of Texas'. Essentially it's about Roy proving the innocence of a relative stranger for a crime he didn't commit. And like always, it's garnished with the usual song and dance numbers, complemented with a couple of jovial scenes added for good measure. I mean, what's wrong with that, eh? What could possibly be wrong with a moralistic movie about a man standing up for what he believes in? I don't have a problem with it. So I don't see why anyone else should either.

OK. I have to admit. Stylistically these stories aren't the most well polished I've ever seen. Plus on occasion the formula these films adder to can be fairly repetitive by default. But having said that, my friends, frequently they also try to do something different as well! Like the inclusion of the Buster character seen in this yarn for example. And whenever this does occur, I tell you something for nothing, a story is told, a moral is conveyed, and a great film is always produced.

 

Also, something else about this flick I found rather different was how it had a detective like angle to it. Made even more official when Roy was given the role of Insurance claims man, who was out on a mission to find some stolen loot. Now from my point of view this bold take did surprise me quite a lot at first glace -- as I don't think I've ever seen Roy fill this sort of role before. Still. Something new was added to this series, and once again proves to me that it does have its place in cinematic history.

Anyway. Before I fall off my soap box, I'm sure by now you got the basic gist of what I felt about this fairly fine film. It was good film, and well deserving of the following filmic-fact. (1) 'Republic Pictures' first released this production in America on the exact same day the Battle of Normandy began. It was on the 24th of June, 1944. (2) Loosely translated, this project was entitled 'Rose Of Texas' in Brazil, where as every other country stuck to its original yellow tinted title. (3) The majority of this movie was shot at 'Iverson Ranch', Chatsworth, located within the Californian state of Los Angeles. (4) One of the taglines used to promote this picture, was, 'A Thrill-Fest You'll Long Remember. As Your Cowboy King Flashes Across The Screen In His Most Exciting Adventure!'. (5) There are two versions of this film now available to the public. There's the original 69-minute version, as well as an edited-down 54-minute version. (6) Throughout their eighty-one years in the business, the 'Sons of the Pioneers' have performed songs in exactly ninety-nine different movies. Wow! Talk about longevity. (7) The director of this flick, Joseph Kane, is best known for directing such western stars as John Wayne, Gene Autry, and of course, the one and only Roy Rogers. (8) After this shindig smelled a sunflower, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans starred in their next western together, 'Song of Nevada'; whilst Grant Withers starred in the murder-mystery, 'The Girl Who Dared'.

Overall I'd say 'The Yellow Rose of Texas' is a pretty decent picture for its time. A story was conveyed. A number of songs were sung. And as push comes to shove -- yeah -- good job -- good job all round for another amazing adventure by Roy and his gang.

Nuff said.

THE RATING: B