Roll Along, Cowboy (DVD)

Partners Randy and Barry arrive at the Blake ranch to collect on a promissory note - their only payment for the long, hard cattle drive they just completed. The boys are not happy when they discover that Mrs. Blake is broke and in danger of losing her ranch. Randy is pleased, however, to learn that she has a beautiful daughter, Janet. Smitten, Randy decides to stay and help the Blakes fight to save their land from the swindling bankers.

On his way to defeating the bad guys and winning the hand of the pretty girl, crooner Smith Ballew, possibly the skinniest western hero on record, manages to break into song throughout this production. Texas born Ballew was a bonafide star of the big-band era working with Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. When the singing cowboy craze began, he was snatched up by Hollywood and starred in a number of westerns in the 1930s. His final film appearance was in Red Badge Of Courage (1951).

• western