Variety (Hollywood’s top trade paper even in 1938) ran the following article on June 29, 1938. The article was, of course, provided me by Larry Zwisohn.
Roy Rogers, With Radio Rogues (3), Cowboy Act at Criterion (theater)
“Introduced as the first western film actor to play Broadway since Tom Mix years ago, Roy Rogers, Republic Pictures’ cowboy crooner, won a hearty reception in his first appearance of two days of personal appearances at the film house. He’s been doing p.a.’s (public appearances) on his way East but was a bit nervous at the outset here. Former radio warbler from the Coast gets his plaudits for his mild, easy-going style, once his first nervousness wears off. His gifted balladeering stands him in good stead because his script is pretty thin. Radio Rogues, a string combo from radio, supplies background music and vocal trio chorusing…This is the first time the Criterion has used stage attractions… Rogers swings right into “Listen to the Rhythm on the Range,” from “Under Western Stars,” a bronc picture. Then gives out with his theme song on “Sons of the Pioneers” program (from which he grabbed for films). It is the familiar “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Also in his repertoire are “Hadie Brown” (a semi-comic ditty) and “When a Cowboy Sings a Song,” the latter also from his film. Does “Home on the Range,” with bow to Will Rogers, for encore. Invites audience to join in and, amazingly enough, it does. Rogers, wearing modified cowboy garb and white gallon hat, strums a guitar for his songs, in which he features a light yodel. He overworks the gag of placing gum on the microphone. With smarter, more original lines the youthful radio-film personality would have the makings of a big-time performer. As is, he has to depend too much on the curiosity attached to a western star’s appearance and his balladeering ability…”
“Under Western Stars” starred Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette and Carol Hughes.
Sorry for the blurry quality of the poster.
Dad was actually in New York for the premier of “Under Western Stars.” The studio had arranged for Dad’s public appearance to coincide with the premier. Dad was always proud of the fact that his first starring movie was the first “Western” to debut on Broadway.
I think that these were his first performances as “the star.” Before getting the chance to star in that film, he had always been part of a musical group, i.e.: The Rocky Mountaineers, The O Bar O Cowboys, the Sons of the Pioneers, and several other groups. Even when, as a kid, he called square dances, he was with his cousin Stan. Because this was his first time as a solo star, I’m not surprised that he was nervous or that he didn’t have a prepared “act.” As all you fans know, he got REALLY GOOD in front of audiences!!! For you “Youngsters” who don’t know what a Roy Rogers performance was like, just go to YouTube, type in Roy Rogers, and click on any of his many performances. He was really great!
Note: I did take a little liberty by editing some of the punctuation and terms used in the article to make it a little easier for you to read. Variety tended to use terms and acronyms that their usual readers would know but were not as well-known to those not in “The Business.”
Happy trails, Cheryl
