Melody Ranch (1940)

Intro.
It seems as though I've stumbled onto all these great 1940 musical Westerns in the past few weeks.  I happened upon this one on Netflix and the reason it stood out was the cast - I have to admit, I had to blink a few times to make sure I was reading it correctly.  A Gene Autry picture with Ann Miller and Jimmy Durante?  THE Jimmy Durante?  The same Jimmy Durante that completely won me over in It Happened in Brooklyn (one of Frank Sinatra's best films)???  In a WESTERN?  Needless to say, I had to see it to believe it.

Overview
The plot to the film is really pretty interesting - Gene plays a cowboy who gave up his spurs for a microphone and has become a big radio star.  His old hometown, Torpedo, has invited him to be an honorary Sheriff for their Frontier Days celebration.  Thinking it's good for publicity, Gene goes with his whole radio show, including big-city diva Julie (Ann Miller) and comical manager Corny (Jimmy Durante), who certainly lives up to his name.  Once there, Gene gets shown up by some bad guys and realizes he's lost his edge - he's no longer a cowboy, but a pampered city dweller.  So he decides to stay in Torpedo, get in shape, and clean up the town.  Which he of course does, all the while still hosting his radio program and winning over Julie.

Highlights (and low points)
The music in this film was above par for Gene's B-Westerns.  He has some beautiful solos in here, most enchanting being "Call of the Canyon".  He and Ann Miller have a gorgeous duet as well, "Never Dream the Same Dream Twice."  It's clear in this picture why so many women went crazy over Gene - his voice is at its peak and he looks terrific too.  When he serenades Ann Miller overlooking Melody Ranch's canyon, you fall for him right along with her.  The music is added to by Mary Lee (who I adore!) and her rich voice, as well as Gene's backup.  I thought those musicians looked familiar - it's none other than Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys!  Talk about a bunch of legends together on one screen!

I'm glad that Ann Miller gets a dance solo in here too, even if it is a bit short.  On the other hand, though, she gets more time to sing, which makes you appreciate her talent in a different way.  Also to note, the bad guys do a funny parody of Gene's famous theme song with (Go) "Back to the City Again."  And bonus, Ann's manager/boyfriend Tommy is played by Jerome Cowman.  You probably know him better as Miles Archer...as in Spade & Archer of The Maltese Falcon.

Finally, Jimmy Durante.  He plays the screwy sidekick like Frog Millhouse or Pat Buttram.  It's hard seeing him in such a corny role and I have to admit some of his scenes will make you groan.  But you have to remember it's all in good fun and really, Jimmy is terrific anywhere and anytime.  It's funny, I was just thinking how this film is a good example of the type of film I call the "crooner-comedian" type.  Think Martin and Lewis or Crosby and Hope or Sinatra and Durante.  There's always the straight man with the smooth singing, and then the comedic sidekick who can get obnoxious, but only in fun.  In this case it's Autry and Durante - an unusual pairing, but still very, very entertaining. 

Review and Recommendation
There are some films you have to see simply because of the cast.  It's like Paint Your Wagon - yes, it's a bit cheesy and wrong on so many fronts, but it features Clint Eastwood singing.  This is a must see.  Similarly, seeing Jimmy Durante in a Western is definitely a must see.  It's corny, and if you're a Durante fan, you may be a bit disappointed.  But go with the flow, enjoy it for entertainment's sake and remember that you're watching a bit of grand Hollywood history.

Oh yeah, and if you're a huge Gene Autry fan like me, this film will give you plenty to swoon over :-)  Enjoy!