DVD Review: KINO releases Republic westerns in Trucolor
Republic was the studio for western films, including beloved B westerns featuring the likes of Roy Rogers in a series that was so popular, it found its way to television. The studio also investigated the possibility of making other singing stars into cowboy heroes, and that includes “Racing With The Moon” singer Vaughn Monroe. Finally, the studio also created its own color film process, Trucolor, which it used, sparingly on some of these subjects. All of this has some historical significance as pop culture iconography goes, making the blu ray release of two Republic studios Trucolor westerns worth celebrating.
“Trigger Jr.” is one of Roy Rogers best films. “Singing Guns,” one of singer Vaughn Monroe’s only films. Rogers had already reached iconic status by the time of this 1950 color feature. Monroe was a major singing star who was being tried in a rather ambitious western with a strong cast, longer running time, and some A-level trappings that defied its B-level status. Vaughn was signed for five features. He made two.
“Singing Guns” is a fascinating subject, with the Akron-born singer Monroe taking the central role of a bandit who saves a sheriff’s life and is appointed as his deputy. Republic apparently thought this popular singer had real potential, as they spent the extra money for Trucolor, and loaded the cast with welcome veterans like Walter Brennan, Ward Bond, Jeff Corey, and Harry Shannon, while giving him Ella Raines as his leading lady. Monroe holds his own in a somewhat challenging role, especially for an acting novice who was being thrust into western stardom while being supported by his betters. Republic even had their house-B-Western-director R.G. Springsteen at the helm (he would direct Vaughn’s other Republic western as well).
However, despite “Singing Guns” being thoroughly entertaining, and Monroe showing remarkable competence for his first movie, the singer had little interest in acting. He had his own band, a slew of hit records, and before Elvis Presley descended upon the same record label (RCA) a few years later, he was riding high on the pop charts. Even after rock and roll redirected the culture, Monroe became a label executive, signing up the likes of Neil Sedaka during his tenure, and he also ran a successful nightclub until his death in 1973. Vaughn didn’t need the movies, and after one more Trucolor venture a couple years later, he made no more. A stint on an episode of TV’s “Bonanza” in the 60s was his only other acting venture in western garb.
“Singing Guns” has some significance to Monroe’s music career, as he performs the song “Mule Train” here. While Frankie Laine had a bigger hit with it, Monroe’s version was nominated for an Oscar. In fact, there were four versions of “Mule Train” on the charts in 1949 – Laine, Monroe, Bing Crosby, and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Monroe’s came last, but it made it into the Top Ten (Laine fared better, reaching number one) and got the Oscar nom (it lost to the song “Mona Lisa.”)
“Trigger Jr” is quintessential Roy Rogers, with all of the action and songs one has come to expect from his movies by this time. The Trucolor enhances what is already a successful formula. Enveloped in his firm and lofty position as a bonafide cowboy hero, Roy is surrounded by his stock company of Dale Evans and Pat Brady, with character roles filled in by B western stalwarts like Gordon Jones, Grant Withers, and George Cleveland. Roy’s songs are backed by Riders of the Purple Sage.
A windstorm, a fire, a creepy dream sequence, circus thrills, and a gaggle of horse thieves and other western themed characters crowded by family values are capable ingredients for a sold Roy Rogers oater. Child actor Peter Miles (who grew up to be Richard Miles and pen the teleplay “They Saved Hitler’s Brain”) plays a kid who is afraid of horses and eventually overcomes this phobia. In a Roy Rogers movie, the underlying theme that anyone could be brave and heroic loudly resonates. Roy, with the twinkle in his eye and his “aw shucks” demeanor, could still rock a fist fight, ride the range atop Trigger at breakneck speed, and engage in true heroics when the going gets tough.
Directed by William Witney, “Trigger jr.” takes great advantage of the location cinematography, and the vast colorful scenery is as breathtaking as the action is exhilarating. This B movie is every bit as rewarding as most A-level westerns.
Both of these films are mastered in high definition from a 4K scan of the original 35mm Trucolor print. In the Special Features, Toby Roan offers his usual astute, informative commentary on both of these westerns, accompanied by the director’s son, Jay Dee Whitney on “Trigger Jr.” The commentaries on both films are exceptional.
Kino Lorber’s high level of presentation and distribution marks each of these features, along with their aesthetic quality, historical significance, cultural importance and informative special features. Each of these movies are must-haves for libraries, research centers, schools, and fans of western cinema.
“Trigger Jr.” is available here.
“Singing Guns” is available here