Boots and Saddles
Got to love the title of this one. Boots and Saddles A Call to Glory was my break through print title. A little known chapter in George Patton’s early career, the book holds a special place in my ‘start of it all’ memories. The title came in for some criticism at the time over similarity to Libby Custer’s sponsored biography of George Custer titled Boots and Saddles. Patton and Custer were both cavalry officers who rallied to that bugle call. So be it. Not so in the case of this Boots and Saddles film.
Gene Autry is foreman of a ranch inherited by young Englishman Edward Wyndam Earl of Granville. Edward arrives at his colonial holdings with no appetite for a ranch he intends to sell. Gene has promised Edward’s deceased father he will make a westerner of young man. The ranch is in debt to rival rancher Jim Neale (Bill Elliott) who is threatening to foreclose. Gene and Frog (Smiley Burnette) begin westernizing the young man who slowly comes around. With foreclosure threatened, Gene and Frog convince Edward they can pay off the debt by rounding up horses to fill an army contract out for bid. Neale gets wind of the plan and determines to offer a competing bid.
Edward earns his spurs and the nickname “Spud” rounding up horses for sale. They take a wagon to Fort Wayne site of the auction. Along the way they make a dusty pass by a buggy carrying Neale along with Colonel Allen and his daughter Bernice (Judith Allen). Bernice and Gene get off on a dusty wrong foot. When the bids come in, they are identical. Colonel Allen suggests a twelve horse a side race off to decide the winner.
The night before the race fire is set in the barn where Gene’s horses are stabled. He’s left with five for the race. Neale’s dirty tricks don’t stop with barn arson, still Gene manages to win the race. Neale’s dirty deeds are exposed, and the ranch is saved. Edward mends Gene’s fences with Bernice in time for happily ever after.
In case you missed it, Boots and Saddles A Call to Glory is available on Amazon. I know shameful self-promotion. Couldn’t resist.
Next Week: Springtime in the Rockies
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
Gene Autry is foreman of a ranch inherited by young Englishman Edward Wyndam Earl of Granville. Edward arrives at his colonial holdings with no appetite for a ranch he intends to sell. Gene has promised Edward’s deceased father he will make a westerner of young man. The ranch is in debt to rival rancher Jim Neale (Bill Elliott) who is threatening to foreclose. Gene and Frog (Smiley Burnette) begin westernizing the young man who slowly comes around. With foreclosure threatened, Gene and Frog convince Edward they can pay off the debt by rounding up horses to fill an army contract out for bid. Neale gets wind of the plan and determines to offer a competing bid.
Edward earns his spurs and the nickname “Spud” rounding up horses for sale. They take a wagon to Fort Wayne site of the auction. Along the way they make a dusty pass by a buggy carrying Neale along with Colonel Allen and his daughter Bernice (Judith Allen). Bernice and Gene get off on a dusty wrong foot. When the bids come in, they are identical. Colonel Allen suggests a twelve horse a side race off to decide the winner.
The night before the race fire is set in the barn where Gene’s horses are stabled. He’s left with five for the race. Neale’s dirty tricks don’t stop with barn arson, still Gene manages to win the race. Neale’s dirty deeds are exposed, and the ranch is saved. Edward mends Gene’s fences with Bernice in time for happily ever after.
In case you missed it, Boots and Saddles A Call to Glory is available on Amazon. I know shameful self-promotion. Couldn’t resist.
Next Week: Springtime in the Rockies
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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