Rovin' Tumbleweeds (1939)

As a congressman, Gene exposes a crooked politician who is delaying passage of a flood control bill.

Director:

George Sherman

Writers:

Betty Burbridge (original screen play), Dorrell McGowan (original screen play),

Stars:

Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Mary Carlisle

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gene Autry	...	Gene Autry
Smiley Burnette	...	Frog Millhouse
Mary Carlisle	...	Mary Ford
Douglass Dumbrille	...	Stephen Holloway
Pals of the Golden West	...	Singers and Musicians
William Farnum	...	Senator Timothy Nolan
Lee 'Lasses' White	...	Storekeeper
Ralph Peters	...	Satchel
Gordon Hart	...	Congressman Fuller
Victor Potel	...	Man in Store (as Vic Potel)
Jack Ingram	...	Blockade Boss
Sammy McKim	...	Eddie
Reginald Barlow	...	Higgins - a Migrant
Eddie Kane	...	Congressman
Guy Usher	...	Mr. Craig - Mary's Boss

Storyline

A flood has wiped out the ranchers. Congressman Fuller was against the Flood Control bill so Gene runs against him in the next election and wins. Gene goes to Washington but has no success in passing the bill as Holloway is using his influence to block it. Then just as Gene returns home another disastrous flood hits.

---

Plot Keywords:

flood | flood control | congressman | rancher | election | 

---

Genres:

Western | Musical

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Washington Cowboy

Filming Locations:

Burro Flats, Simi Hills, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

62 min 54 min (edited) 62 min (original)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA "High Fidelity" Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the final scene, Gene and Mary share a hug and their cheeks touch, with Mary coming away with mud on the left side of her face. However going in, that side of Gene's face was clean.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
[leading the ranchers as they try battle mounting floodwaters]
Gene Autry: Watch out for a break on the left, men. Hey! Pile them four deep over there!

---

Soundtracks

"Away Out Yonder"
(1939) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Fred Rose
Played during the opening credits
Performed by Gene Autry and Cowhands
Reprised at the end

User Reviews

What a nifty Gene Autry Western

There is a very good reason for this. The crew who worked on this western is the same crew who were doing the THREE MESQUITEERS series. As such, this movie seemed almost like a "MESQUITEERS" western, but with Gene Autry in it. That's what makes this one so darn good. The action and dialog is brisk, fast and sharp. The music cannot be beat. I must say that Republic Pictures is the true AMERICANA studio of music IMHO. Republic pictures in most cases tried to entertain you and they did and IMHO they still do even in the 21st century. I am glad that there has been an effort to preserve their films such as the Autry series that he made for them during the 30s and 40s. Just think if they had invited THE THREE MESQUITEERS over to assist Gene in this one; what a crossover western this one would have made; but I bet nobody though about it.