In Old Monterey


In Old Monterey is a 1939 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and June Storey. Based on a story by Gerald Geraghty and George Sherman, the film is about an army sergeant and former rancher who runs into opposition from local ranchers when the United States Army sends him to purchase their ranch land needed for a strategic air base.

Plot

The United States Army sends Sergeant Gene Autry, a rancher in civilian life, to negotiate the purchase of ranch land out West needed to build a strategic air base. Local ranchers, led by Gabby Whittaker, refuse to sell their land to the government.
After some investigation, Gene suspects that the ranchers' refusal to sell their land may be influenced by borax mine magnate Stevenson, who wants more money than the government is offering for his Atlas Borax Mine. To prevent ranchers from selling their land to the army, Stevenson and his men embark upon a plan of sabotage that makes it appear that the army fliers are employing ruthless tactics to force the ranchers into selling.
Influenced by Stevenson's covert agitation, the ranchers are driven to armed resistance when Gabby's nephew Jimmy is killed in an explosion caused by Stevenson. As the ranchers prepare to barricade the town, Gene rides to the rescue with proof that Stevenson was responsible for the explosion and the sabotage. Angered by the treachery, the ranchers, led by Gene in an armored truck, ride to the Atlas Borax Mine and bring Stevenson and his gang to justice.

Cast

Stuntwork

Stuntwork for the film was performed by Joe Yrigoyen, Jack Kirk, Nellie Walker, Henry Morris, Jack Long, Tom Steele, Bill Yrigoyen, Wally West, Art Dillard, Jay Wilsey, Carey Loftin, Charles Thomas, Duke York, George Allen, Eddie Parker, and Bert LeBaron.

Filming locations

In Old Monterey was filmed on location in the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, Kernville, railroad tracks at Castaic Junction and Piru, the Big T Plant of Consumers Rock and Gravel Co. at San Fernando Blvd. and Dexter, and Lasky Mesa in Calabasas.

Soundtrack

  • "It Happened in Monterey" by Gene Autry during the opening credits and at the end
  • "Born in the Saddle" by Gene Autry
  • "My Buddy" by Gene Autry and The Hoosier Hotshots
  • "It Looks Like Rain" by Smiley Burnette and The Hoosier Hotshots
  • "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" by Gene Autry and The Ranch Boys
  • "Little Pardner" by Gene Autry
  • "Virginia Blues" by The Hoosier Hotshots
  • "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" by Gene Autry, George 'Gabby' Hayes and Townsmen
  • "The Vacant Chair " by Gene Autry and June Storey in church, with organ accompaniment
  • "Colors" by a bugler when the flag is lowered
  • "Taps" by a bugler for lights out
  • "You're in [the Army Now |You're in the Army Now]" variations played often in the score

    Memorable quotes

  • Sergeant Gene Autry: We need places where our men can train and our equipment can be tested over and over again until every flaw can be found and corrected. And I don't believe any of you are such poor Americans that you won't be proud to do your part.