Guns and Guitars (1936)

After being framed for murdering the sheriff, Gene proves his innocence, then gets elected sheriff to go after the baddie who framed him.

Director:

Joseph Kane

Writers:

Dorrell McGowan (original story and screenplay), Stuart E. McGowan (original story and screenplay)

Stars:

Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Dorothy Dix

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gene Autry	...	Gene Autry
Smiley Burnette	...	Frog Millhouse
Dorothy Dix	...	Marjorie Miller
Earle Hodgins	...	Dr. Parker (as Earl Hodgins)
J.P. McGowan	...	Dave Morgan
Champion	...	Gene's Horse
Tom London	...	Henchman Connor
Charles King	...	Henchman Sam
Frankie Marvin	...	Shorty
Eugene Jackson	...	Eightball
Jack Rockwell	...	Sheriff Ed Miller
Ken Cooper	...	Deputy Clark
Tracy Layne	...	Henchman
Wes Warner	...	Henchman
Jack Kirk	...	Chubby Man at Show - Notes Connor's Shooting Ability

Storyline

Gene joins in the fight against Morgan and his men who are trying to run infected cattle to the railroad. When Morgan's man shoots the Sheriff, Gene runs in the election to replace him. Morgan accuses Gene of the murder but Gene wins anyway and it's not long before he gets the chance to nab Morgan and his gang.

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Plot Keywords:

sheriff | county | election | quarantine | medicine show | 

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 June 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Violões e Pistolões

Filming Locations:

Garner Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

57 min 57 min (copyright length) (2003 restoration) 54 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA High Fidelity Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Gene Autry: White Hat, Silver Screen (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Ridin' All Day"
(1936) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette
Performed by Gene Autry (vocal and guitar)

User Reviews

Almost Top of the Class, But Not Quite!

A pleasant enough western, though there is just sufficient action footage — including some excellent stunt-work -- to get by with the fans. Oddly, there's also less music than usual. Most of the picture is taken up with the plot (a serviceable offering) and the machinations of personable villain J.P. McGowan. Even Smiley Burnette's opportunities are limited, though he does have a bill-posting run-in with Charles King (in the comparatively minor role of the villain's offsider's offsider) — a routine that was later used to greater advantage by Laurel and Hardy in "Air Raid Wardens" — and a splendid fade-out.

Dorothy Dix proves an innocuous heroine, but Tom London makes his villain a fascinating figure, whilst Earle Hodgins blusters away effectively as Professor Parker (we like his amusing encounter with Harrison Greene's fake veterinarian). Good old Jack Rockwell graces his customary role as the sheriff.

Kane's direction rates as efficient. Not his fault that a bit more gun-slinging and a lot more guitar-strumming was really needed to lift this western to top of the class. Photography and music scoring climb well up to standard. Production values nudge the excellent level, thanks to actual location shooting and plenty of extras milling about.