BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

Those who know me well, know of my interest in Gene Autry, and Gene Autry films. Gene Autry has 5 Stars on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. One each for recording, motion pictures, TV, Radio, and song writing. He invested his money well, and became a very wealthy man. Pretty good for a man they said couldn't act! He sang pretty well, and once while he was young, in Oklahoma, Will Rogers heard him sing and by telling him he should do something with his talent, sent him on his way to his career as a singing cowboy. Gene Autry always wore the white hat. He was always a square shooter. Our hero!!!

I met Mr. Autry when I was in High School in Washington D. C. It was pretty neat, as I had watched Gene and Frog whip up on all the bad men in black hats, when I was a youngster in Midland, Texas. We would go to the Ritz Theater, on Saturdays to finish watching a portion of a serial which was usually left "hanging you on a cliff" (to bring you back the next week)...then Gene Autry, Roy Rogers or Hoppy movie. We sure had fun back in those days. I started getting interested in Gene Autry again, about 3 years ago. I read his book, (Back In The Saddle Again) and found a lot of interesting and fun things about his life, and his career. Didn't realize he had an alcohol problem..did know he was in the Army during WWII. He returned to films after the war ended. By this time Roy Rogers had moved up the ladder and was a Cowboy star. But..Gene came back and formed his own company after a lawsuit to release him from contract...Flying A Productions was his company. Champion ...all 5.. What great horses Gene had.

Then I started watching the Western's Channel on DirecTV. Every afternoon at 3:30 I am usually in front of the TV watching some episode. Every Sunday and Wednesday at 11:00 A. M. there are movies that have been restored. Pat Buttram, is Gene's sidekick on The Gene Autry Show episodes, and the movies made during that time. (Later, Pat played Mr. Haney on Green Akers) He is so much fun to watch.. Pat was married to Sheila Ryan, who plays lots of different characters on the Gene Autry Show, also. Dicky Jones and Gail Davis were regulars, also. Alan Hale, Jr. was always a baddy, until Pat was hurt and off the second season, then he was Gene's sidekick, along with several others. Pat nearly died, but recovered and came back the next season!

I found it interesting that Gene Autry lived 91 full years and 2 days. His Gene Autry Show had 91 Episodes, and he made 91 movies. Is that weird? I think it is.

Here is my first picture of Gene on the blog. I may put others later. God Bless Gene Autry!! His cowboy code is famous. Here it is.


Gene Autry's Cowboy Code

1.The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2.He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
3.He must always tell the truth.
4.He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
5.He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6.He must help people in distress.
7.He must be a good worker.
8.He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
9.He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
10.The Cowboy is a patriot.


© 1994 Gene Autry Survivors Trust