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.
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Gene Autry walked out on his contract after completing work on “The Old Barn Dance.” Dick Weston may be seen and heard ever so briefly at the dance itself. It’s at this point Weston gets a screen test which leads to a contract and name change to Roy Rogers. He was given the starring role in what would have been Autry’s next film, “Under Western Stars.” And the rest, as they say, is history. An new name, a starring movie role, and a certain palomino. Check out the URL, Weston appears at about 13:44 minutes in. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xv5l8s_gene-autry-the-old-barn-dance_shortfilms
The Bing Crosby movie seems to have been well preserved because I saw a video on YouTube of them all singing “I’m an Old Cowhand” and you can see the SOTP so clearly and watch them play their instruments which is my favorite part! They were such young cuties! Better looking and much better singers than Bing if you ask me. I am going to research all those movies you listed and try to find them for my collection. No matter how many they did I want them all!
Love the info Cheryl.. Knew some of it. Your dad as been my hereo all these yrs and still is. When I was 8 in 1960 he was at Iowa State Fair . I recall I was way up top of Grandstand. But still remember it today. Next month I’ll be 65. Have all his movies on VHS and Dvds and TV sreies on DVDs too.. Thanks again…
Hi Cheryl, you mentioned Son of Paleface, loved that movie. The one scene I liked best was Bob Hope in bed with Trigger who kept pulling the cover off Bob until Bob woke up and realized who was pulling the cover off him. Is that movie still available anywhere?
Author
Hi Gladys, you might be able to find it on Amazon.com. The film was made by Paramount.
Hi ! I am one of those people that admired your dad for his positive attitude and helpful nature. Just watched “the Old Corral” again, he sure was trying hard to play the part, determined for sure to make it. I enjoy all the old cowboy shows very much and have always enjoyed the songs in Roy Rogers’ movies. I believe he had some of the best material available. Springtime in the sierras, by the lights of old sante fe, etc. Beautiful melodies and a great voice. An American Hero that taught us to be good and true while standing strong for what is right. I never felt any of those messages were acting, even though he may have been in character, he meant it. Best wishes to you and yours!!
Hi Cheryl. I was a huge fan of your father and mother in the fifties. I never missed the show. I had a complete Dale Evans outfit. Back in the eighties, when I was living in Rackerby/Bangor area of Northern CA, near Oroville, I met a neighbor who lived in a small cottage. His home was full of Roy Rogers memorabilia. He knew a great deal and said he was Roy’s nephew and was named Leonard, after him. He said he had been close to his uncle. I later moved and don’t know if it was true or what became of him. Do you know of him? Just adored your father.
Author
Hi Lynne, the only nephew I know that was named after Dad was Len o’Dell. The last I heard, he was living in Southern California near Temecula.
Cheryl
Well Cheryl, thankyou for that info. By the way, I had a complete Dale Evans outfit, plus much other paraphernalia when I was little. As far as our neighbor, perhaps he was more distantly related or a big fan who made it all up…he seemed so sincere and was named Leonard Slye. He had so much paraphernalia. I gave him two Roy Rogers records I had.