My Pal Trigger (1946)

Although it's often stated that when Rogers started out, he didn't directly compete with Gene Autry, this isn't true. In fact, he was actually hired as a replacement, as Rogers himself details at length in his autobiography. Although Rogers was never as popular with exhibitors, he had a great fan following, In fact, he managed to run up a total of no less than 91 movies in which he either starred or enjoyed a "special guest" spot in addition to his 12 appearances as one of the Sons of the Pioneers. Many of these movies are available on Public Domain DVDs, although there is no definitive edition of his work, as there is for Gene Autry. Worse, some of the DVDs reproduce cutdown TV versions rather than the original theatrical release. A pleasing exception is Volume 6 of "The Great American Western" series which reproduces the original USA release version of "My Pal Trigger". Admittedly it runs only 79 minutes, and I would have much preferred a re-issue of the 85 minutes version which Rogers himself regarded as his best film and which I saw in theaters back in 1947. Nonetheless, despite the cuts, this is still a top Rogers entry which dares to be extremely critical of law enforcement agencies. That's a nice change in itself. In fact, the only other movie I can call to mind that really gets the boot into the "justice" system is Paramount's "Vice Squad" (1931). Evidently Republic's Herb Yates had a fit when he saw the finished movie and ordered 6 minutes of cuts, but you can't cut out the theme of the movie itself, and even in its truncated state, it's still a riveting film.

Appealing Rogers oater. It's not so much a typical cowboy movie as a horse show. The plot's more complex than usual; plus, fans looking for gunplay and fisticuffs may be disappointed. Instead, Roy needs to clear himself from the belief that he shot Trigger's father Golden Stallion. Actually, it was scheming gambler Scoville (Holt) who's looking to gyp ranch owner Kendrick (Hayes) out of his land. Trouble is Kendrick thinks Roy is the horse killer and won't help him, even though daughter Susan (Evans) is drawn to Roy.Gabby's his usual grouchy self, much of it atypically aimed at Roy. In fact, his Kendrick is not very likable through much of the movie. High points include some awesome mountain scenery, a scary cougar, and some well-done horse action. Also Roy, Dale, and 'Pioneers take turns crooning several lovely standards. All in all, it's a more easy-going hour-plus than the usual. I'm just sorry to say they don't make 'em like this anymore. A "7" on the Matinée Scale.

Considering the sappy title, 'My Pal Trigger,' I was expecting the usual Roy Rogers' western; i.e. pleasant, wholesome, sentimental, musical, fun and slightly juvenile. 'My Pal Trigger' had more tragic elements (including the violent deaths of two horses), a less sympathetic, stubborn, more feisty Roy Rogers and story which plays out over four years. Gabby Hayes, usually Roy's sidekick, plays his adversary, and has a gambling problem to boot! This is one of the best pairings of Rogers/Evans, though it takes a very long time for their relationship to jell. It's too bad Herbert Yates didn't shoot this one in color, since there are so many beautiful horses and scenery. As best I can see, the movie has only one serious factual flaw and one very unlikely event, and to describe those would spoil the fun. However, I'll explain them under spoilers to see if you agree, once you've seen the movie.WARNING: SPOILERSRoy is blamed for the death of Gabby Hayes's Palomino, Golden Sovereign, after he is shot by the villain with a rifle and Roy's handgun is discovered to have one bullet discharged. However, Roy's handgun is VERY unlikely to fire the same caliber bullets as any rifle. Another unlikely, though possible event, occurs to Trigger, as a colt. Trigger steps in a trap meant for a mountain lion, but it is obvious the kind of trap shown would have hopelessly mangled Trigger's leg.END OF SPOILERSThese quibbles aside, 'My Pal Trigger' is one of Roy Rogers best 'adult' pictures, albeit a 'B' western with cheap production values, nonexistent directing and dull cinematography. These movies exist in a kitschy, predictable world of their own. When compared to 'A' westerns, it's barely worth a '5,' but on the 'B' level it's almost a '10'. Therefore, I give 'My Pal Trigger' a '7'.

One of the best known, and one of the more entertaining, among Roy Rogers' Westerns, "My Pal Trigger" has a pretty good blend of western action and melodrama. It's good entertainment, fast-paced, with plenty going on at all times. The plot may not always be plausible, but it always keeps your attention, as one thing after another keeps coming up to test Roy's patience and ingenuity. Although much of the time you can see what's coming, it's pretty hard not to pull for him. The movie includes Gabby Hayes as one of his most cantankerous characters, and also Dale Evans. If you enjoy these old B-Westerns, you should find this one worthwhile.