Under Western Stars

Under Western Stars is a 1938 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette, Carol Hughes, and the Maple City Four. Written by Dorrell McGowan, Stuart E. McGowan, and Betty Burbridge, the film is about a populist singing cowboy who decides to run for Congress in order to seek federal assistance to help small ranchers regain their water rights during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. His campaign comes into conflict with greedy water company executives.[1]

Under Western Stars
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoseph Kane
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Dorrell McGowan
  • Stuart E. McGowan
Produced bySol C. Siegel
Starring
CinematographyJack Marta
Edited byLester Orlebeck
Music byAlberto Colombo (uncredited)
Production
company
Distributed byRepublic Pictures
Release date
  • April 20, 1938 (1938-04-20) (US)
Running time
65 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The film was the first starring role for Rogers, made under contract to Republic Pictures during a walkout by the studio's singing cowboy Gene Autry. The picture was filmed on location in the Alabama Hills of Lone Pine, California. The film's song "Dust", written by Johnny Marvin, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song.[1] In 2009, Under Western Stars was selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant and will be preserved for all time.[2][3]

Plot

John Fairbanks' water company refuses to allow free water for the farmers and ranchers. When Roy Rogers and his men overpower the dam's guards and release the valve on the water, a sympathetic judge fines Roy one dollar and convinces him to follow in his father's footsteps and run for the United States House of Representatives. Roy wins the election and fights his best to have the Federal Government step in to solve the dire situation. Roy is encouraged and secretly helped by John Fairbanks feisty daughter, Eleanor.

Cast

References
  1. "Under Western Stars". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  2. Cannady, Sheryl (December 30, 2009). "News from the Library of Congress". Library of Congress. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  3. "Complete National Film Registry Listing". Library of Congress. Retrieved May 14, 2020.


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