Fans of Gene Autry would do well to catch this simple but effective half hour time capsule of the late TV and movie Western hero. Picking up with Gene's first feature film, the 1935 serial "The Phantom Empire", this documentary captures the essence of the man who in many respects was truly larger than life. Following 'Phantom', Gene began earning the princely sum of a hundred dollars a week in pictures appealing to viewers who suffered during the Great Depression. His films reflected the values of the day - hard work and being responsible, with an emphasis on family values. The villains he faced were often businessmen and bankers who took advantage of the common man. Autry's World War II era pictures stressed patriotism and helped propagandize the war effort, and in July 1942, Gene himself joined the Army for a four year hitch in service to his country.
A remarkably celebrated performer, Gene is the only person to be honored with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for work in movies, TV, radio, live theater and musical recording. It will probably surprise you to know, as it did me, that Gene recorded "Blueberry Hill" sixteen years before Fats Domino made the song a staple of the 1950's era. His passing in 1998 left just another void that can't be replaced, and it's gratifying to know that his work lives on in numerous films and recordings.
A remarkably celebrated performer, Gene is the only person to be honored with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for work in movies, TV, radio, live theater and musical recording. It will probably surprise you to know, as it did me, that Gene recorded "Blueberry Hill" sixteen years before Fats Domino made the song a staple of the 1950's era. His passing in 1998 left just another void that can't be replaced, and it's gratifying to know that his work lives on in numerous films and recordings.
