Movie spotlight
Romance Rides the Range
Baritone singer Barry Glendon, completing a successful season in opera, departs for his ranch in the west over the objections of his manager Tony. Arriving there with his double-talking friend Shorty, Barry learns that a parcel of his vast ranch has been fraudulently sold to Carol Marland and her ailing (and tiresome) young brother Johnny. Pretending he is only the foreman, and having his cowhands go along with it,Barry allows Carol and her whining, growing-ever-more-tiresome brother to believe that they are the actual owners in order to give him a free hand in running down the swindlers who victimized Carol who, with a brother like hers, was a victim to begin with.Barry learns that brothers Clem and Jonas Allen are the villains and,through a ruse in which they are led to believe there is a hidden treasure on the land they sold Carol, they try to buy it back bidding against Barry, who forces the price up.
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Plot Summary
A young rancher, struggling to save his family's ranch from a ruthless land baron, finds unexpected help from a spirited young woman. Their budding romance is tested by the baron's schemes and the challenges of the wild west. Ultimately, the rancher must prove his worth and defend his home with courage and determination.
Critical Reception
A quintessential B-Western musical, 'Romance Rides the Range' was well-received by its target audience for its blend of action, music, and romantic escapism. Gene Autry's star power and singing talent were highlights, making it a popular entry in his extensive filmography. While not critically acclaimed by highbrow critics, it resonated with audiences who enjoyed straightforward Western narratives with musical interludes.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its charming musical numbers featuring Gene Autry.
Appreciated for its classic Western storytelling and straightforward plot.
Seen as a solid entry in the Gene Autry musical Western series.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Romance Rides the Range' is limited, but it is generally regarded as an enjoyable and typical example of the musical Westerns popular in the 1930s, with viewers often citing Gene Autry's performance as a key draw.
Fun Fact
The film marked the final on-screen pairing of Gene Autry with Smiley Burnette as his sidekick, 'Frog' Millhouse, before Burnette departed to pursue his own career.
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