A prospector discovers natural cement and suggests it should be used for a new dam. But this is the last thing the badmen of Trail End want, as they have a monopoly of the wagons needed to haul rocks to the site. A pretty sheriff notwithstanding, it's a job for a singing marshal.
Acting
Gene Autry's horse Champion out-emotes the entire supporting cast.
Score
The title song will haunt your brain for days. Mule train, mule train...
Director
John English
Gene Autry
U.S. Marshal Gene Autry
Champion
Gene's Horse
Sheila Ryan
Sheriff Carol
Robert Livingston
Sam Brady
Vince Barnett
Joe - Barber
Syd Saylor
Deputy Skeeter
Sandy Sanders
Deputy Bud
Pat Buttram
Smokey Argyle
Stanley Andrews
Chalmers (uncredited)
Gregg Barton
Rollins (uncredited)
Chet Brandenburg
Townsman (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gene Autry filmed this during his peak 'singing cowboy' era when he was making up to eight pictures a year. The man basically lived on a horse.
The 'singing cowboy' subgenre peaked in the late 1940s-early 1950s as postwar audiences craved escapist, uncomplicated heroism. This film is basically a time capsule of that very specific vibe.
US
