SONGS AND SADDLES

Cinemavixion Review

Released in 1938, "Songs and Saddles" is a Western that, while perhaps not groundbreaking, offers a charming if familiar narrative. Directed by Harry L. Fraser, the film stars the real-life singer Gene Austin as a fictionalized version of himself, the foster son of a rancher. The plot centers on a common oater trope: a local schemer and his cronies attempting to swindle an old rancher out of his valuable property, which coincidentally sits on the path of a planned highway. This substitution of a highway for the more typical railroad construction showcases a pragmatic approach by producers Max and Arthur Alexander, who opted for more accessible props like a Caterpillar tractor over locomotives. Austin, a recognizable figure for his musical talents, lends his voice to five original songs, including "Song of the Saddle" and "The Man From Texas." While his musical contributions are described as passable for fans, the film seems to acknowledge that Austin's true strength lies in his singing rather than his equestrian skills, with the description noting that his time in the saddle is "not a pretty sight." Despite these minor critiques, "Songs and Saddles" provides a straightforward, albeit budget-conscious, viewing experience for fans of classic Westerns and Gene Austin's musical legacy.