“Boots and Saddles”

Northern Advocate, 24 December 1938, Page 14

“Boots and Saddles”

Champion, the wonder horse owned by Gene Autry and currently appearing in Gene’s latest picture, “Boots and Saddles,” is indeed worthy of his name. His tricks and accomplishments are almost human.

“Blowing up” a scene is a phenomenon not uncommon in Hollywood. The best stars are known to fumble their lines while the cameras are grinding, and the scene is necessarily scrapped. Yet Champion never yet has been known to spoil any scene. His performances are letter-perfect. He obeys Gene’s every word and gesture. And when the singing cowboy himself

makes a slip before the cameras, those “in the know” declare that Champion lets out a slightly rude but perfectly understandable “boss” laugh. Gene, very fond of his horse, has taken every precaution for its safety, and has even insured the animal against accident for twenty thousand dollars. Another horse shares Champion’s stable at Autry’s ranch home, simply because horses —particularly sensitive ones like Champion—are apt to become nervous when left alone in a stable.

“Boots and Saddles” presents Gene Autry as the self-appointed guardian of an English lad who comes to America to try to liquidate his deceased father’s ranch holdings. Gene persuades the lad not to sell the ranch, but instead to use it for the same purposes the prospective purchasers would use it for —training army horses.

There is a thrilling competition to determine how the army contract shall be awarded. Gene’s bid for training the horses and his rival’s bid being identical. The army colonel suggests a horse race, and the rival attempts to burn down Gene’s stables so that the invincible “Champion” will be destroyed. Needless to say, Gene and Champion come through, but not without plenty of thrills and suspense. “Boots and Saddles” is an exciting action entertainment everybody will enjoy.

Gene Autry, popular singing cowboy star, has written a new song hit, a waltz entitled “You’re the Only Star in My Blue Heaven.” The number is currently the rage in America, states Variety and looks like equalling in popularity Gene’s other hit, “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine,” which sold over a million copies. Gene’s next picture is “In Old Santa Fe.”