Gene Autry's Melody Ranch
Gene Autry publicity photo
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| Other names | Double M Ranch |
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| Genre | Country music |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Home station | CBS |
| TV adaptations | The Gene Autry Show |
| Starring | Gene Autry |
| Announcer |
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| Original release | January 7, 1940 – May 16, 1956 |
| Audio format | Mono |
| Opening theme | "Back in the Saddle Again" |
| Sponsored by | Doublemint |
Gene Autry's Melody Ranch was a Western variety radio show in the United States. The program ran from January 7, 1940 to August 1, 1943, and from September 23, 1945 to May 16, 1956. The show's entire run was broadcast on CBS radio, sponsored by Doublemint gum. The approximately two-year interruption resulted from Autry's enlistment in the United States Army to fight in World War II. Initially titled Double M Ranch, the show's name was changed to Gene Autry's Melody Ranch early in 1940. Episodes were 30 minutes long except for a 15-minute version that ran from September 23, 1945 to June 16, 1946. The theme song was "Back in the Saddle Again".
The William Wrigley Jr. Company selected Autry's program for sponsorship after hearing an audition episode. The show replaced Gateway to Hollywood, which the company had sponsored. An item in the January 1, 1940, issue of Broadcasting magazine reported that the program "will feature Gene Autry, singing cowby, and dramatics" and that it would be carried on 67 CBS stations.
Centering on the talent and popularity of the star, singing cowboy Gene Autry, each episode of the program "consisted of a Western adventure interspersed with interludes of music." John Dunning, in his reference book, "Tune in Yesterday," summarized the format as follows:
His own show changed little over the years. It featured a slightly sophisticated version of his 1929 act—Autry stories and songs, projected in a campfire atmosphere. Autry told his listeners that his broadcasts were coming directly from his home, Melody Ranch, in the San Fernando Mountains. He surrounded himself with a cast of regular foot-stompers ... The music was decidedly Western, with heavy accordion emphasis. There was usually one "Cowboy Classic" by Autry. [Pat] Buttram's acts were inserted for comic relief and consisted mainly of back-and-forth banter with Autry ... The highlight of each show, at least for the juvenile listeners, came when Autry told a 10- to 15-minute story, fully dramatized, of some recent adventure.
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