Comwayon
A Disappointing Continuation
Brendon Jones
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
Payno
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Cody
One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
dougdoepke
A Rogers oddity since he shares action and songs with Mexican leading man Tito Guizar. It's still a good horse opera as long as you don't try to figure out the plot, which has to compete with two love stories. Frazee makes a charming substitute for Dale Evans, but Estelita acts like she's had at least one hot tamale too many. There's plenty of action and some good hard riding from Roy and Trigger. Plus solid comedy relief from the one-and-only Andy Devine, along with A-list villianry from the jut-jawed Charles McGraw. Then too, it's easy to see why the likable Guizar was so popular south of the border. Still, I'm a bit puzzled by the odd pairing of the two leading men—was Republic trying a different formula for Roy's Saturday matinees. Oh well, whatever, it's still a lively musical western of the sort they don't make anymore.
wes-connors
With "The Great Southwestern Tent Show" in town, cowboy king Roy Rogers (as Roy Rogers) learns a featured attraction, his singing "Sons of the Pioneers" pals, have a $10,000 I.O.U. debt due. From sleepwalking constable Andy Devine (as Cookie Bullfincher), Mr. Rogers learns about a convenient $10,000 reward for the capture of a bandit known as "The Gypsy". Rogers wants to capture the Spanish outlaw, and pay off his friends' debt. But, Rogers' target, Tito Guízar (as Rico), may not be the guiltiest gun in the west
This colorful "cross-over" western for singing cowboys Rogers and Mr. Guízar is better than "The Gay Ranchero" (1948), a similar vehicle. Pretty Dale Evans stand-in Jane Frazee (as Candy Martin) arouses romantic feelings in both men; she has an amusing introductory scene, with Rogers collecting her undergarments from a fallen suitcase - watch as he holds her slip in his teeth! Estelita Rodriguez (as Lola) is memorable. The songs are smooth and forgettable, except for Ms. Rodriguez' lively "Guadalajara". The ending is well staged.***** On the Old Spanish Trail (1947) William Witney ~ Roy Rogers, Tito Guízar, Estelita Rodriguez
Michael Morrison
Roy Rogers movies tend to be pretty lightweight, at least the ones I've been able to see within memory.But Roy Rogers himself is endearing.I think it was while watching "Dark Command," the John Wayne movie (though Claire Trevor gets first billing, for some reason), that I first realized Roy Rogers was really an excellent actor.It is likely that he rose to such prominence mostly because of his winning personality and good looks, rather than the movie plots, but in studying Western movie history, I learned that when he was given his chance to be the star of his own series, he set out to be good at his job. For example, he took riding lessons, and in my opinion was one of the best riders, certainly among those who hadn't been riders since childhood (such as John Wayne and Gary Cooper).And even late in life, he was still a good singer, having been a great one earlier.This movie gave us Rogers in really good form: He got to do just about everything he was good at, singing, riding, and acting.I was rather bored in the beginning, but by golly this movie takes off and becomes downright exciting.Of course, there is a great cast, with the Sons of the Pioneers getting to stand out, and stunts and action by the great Fred Graham.Each cast member is memorable, and I highly recommend this to everyone. Those who enjoy Hollywood history especially should watch and pay attention to the individuals performing. You'll find it fun and educational.
Michael O'Keefe
William Witney directs Roy Rogers as he and Trigger join a traveling carnival in hopes of paying off a $10,000 note he co-signed for the Sons of the Pioneers. There is another source of funds...capture the mysterious desperado known as "The Gypsy"(Tito Guizar). Plenty of action and song. Roy, being the 'Singing Cowboy', of course sings; as well as Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers. There is limited comic relief from Constable Bullfincher(Andy Devine). Also in the cast: Jane Frazee, Estelita Rodriguez and Fred Graham. This is one of my favorite Roy Rogers flicks. I can't really pinpoint why...just the atmosphere I guess. Running 75 minutes, ON the Old Spanish TRAIL is worth your time.