This self-produced vehicle for then-popular singing cowboy star Gene Autry has some surprisingly contemporary ecological plot twists – insect infestation of forests, pesticide use, monopolization of logging rights – as well as gritty character quirks (alcoholism, et. al.), heady stuff for its programmer status. When a logging magnate (Douglas Dumbrille) discovers a forester is about to inform the local town of a mushrooming moth infestation, which could derail his plan to save a fortune by harvesting already dead trees, he murders the ranger, framing Autry and his friend for the shooting. A labyrinthine series of complications – including cattle poisoning – and action set pieces ensue before Autry gets the upper hand on the villains to save the day and get the girl (Patricia Barry). Co-starring Clayton Moore (TV’s “The Lone Ranger”) as Pete, one of Mitchell’s dastardly henchmen.
Ariel Schudson discusses Gower Gulch on the New Beverly blog.
