A few weeks ago, I was asked how many movies Dad (Roy Rogers) had made. I thought about it and answered that Roy Rogers had starred in 82 movies. I think that is still the correct number. However, Dad made a lot more than 82 movies. He made some as Leonard Slye (these were when he was one of the Sons of the Pioneers), a couple as Dick Weston (his first contract with Republic Studios) and, as Roy Rogers, he either co-starred in a film (such as “Son of Paleface”) or did a cameo in someone else’s film.
The Sons of the Pioneers in “Way Up Thar” released in Nov., 1935
Standing: Leonard Slye and Bob Nolan
Seated: Karl Farr, Tim Spencer, Hugh Farr
As Leonard Slye, Dad and the Sons of the Pioneers made seven films in 1935: “Radio Scout” released 5/6/35; “Slightly Static” released 5/7/35; “Bronco Buster” (an Oswald Rabbit cartoon) released in August, 1935; “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” (a Gene Autry film) released on 9/5/35; “The Old Homestead” released on 10/5/35; “Gallant Defender” (a Charles Starrett film) released on 10/30/35; “Way Up Thar” released on 11/8/35.
In 1936 The Sons of the Pioneers appeared in six films: “The Mysterious Avenger” (a Charles Starrett film) released on 1/17/36; “Son of the Saddle” (a Dick Foran film) released on 2/1/36; “Rhythm on the Range (a Bing Crosby film) released on 7/31/36; “The California Mail (a Dick Foran film) released on 11/14/36; “The Big Show” (a Gene Autry film) released on 11/16/336; and “The Old Corral” (a Gene Autry film) released on 12/21/36.
The Pioneers only appeared in one film (that I could find) released during 1937: “The Old Wyoming Trail” starring Charles Starrett. That film was released on 11/8/37.
It was during 1937 that Dad was trying to find a replacement for himself with The Sons of the Pioneers as the Pioneers had signed a contract to appear in several more Charles Starrett films and Dad had a chance to sign a contract with Republic Studios as a solo performer. Finally, the Pioneers and Columbia (Starrett’s studio) agreed that Pat Brady would take Dad’s place with the Pioneers and Dad signed his first solo contract (as an actor) with Republic.
