Rhythm on the Range
| Rhythm on the Range | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | Norman Taurog |
| Produced by | Benjamin Glazer |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Mervin J. Houser |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Karl Struss |
| Edited by | Ellsworth Hoagland |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
|
Release date
|
|
|
Running time
|
87 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Rhythm on the Range is a 1936 American Western musical film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Bing Crosby, Frances Farmer, and Bob Burns. Based on a story by Mervin J. Houser, the film is about a cowboy who meets a beautiful young woman while returning from a rodeo in the east, and invites her to stay at his California ranch to experience his simple, honest way of life.Rhythm on the Range was Crosby's only western film (apart from the 1966 remake of Stagecoach) and is notable for his introduction of two important western songs, "Empty Saddles" by Billy Hill and "I'm an Old Cowhand from the Rio Grande" by Johnny Mercer, the latter becoming a national hit song for Crosby. The film played an important role in popularizing the singing cowboy and western music on a national level.
Doris Halliday (Frances Farmer), the daughter of a wealthy banker, is about to marry a man she doesn't love so the family will become richer. Her outspoken aunt Penelope Ryland (Lucile Gleason), the owner of the Frying Pan Ranch in Arizona, objects to their marriage, claiming people should only be married if they love each other. Doris starts to see Penelope's point and eventually runs away the night before the wedding.
Doris hides in the wagon of a train owned by traveling cowboy Jeff Larabee (Bing Crosby). When they meet they take an immediate dislike for each other. Despite a few romantic moments, they fight all night long. The next day, Doris is to be left at a stop. When she is attacked by Jeff's prize cow, however, Jeff is forced to save her. The train eventually leaves without them. They decide to part their ways, until they discover it's a long way to the next stop. Doris secretly steals a car and gives Jeff a ride.
Penelope and her employee Buck (Bob Burns), who happens to be a friend of Jeff, try to find Doris. They take a train hoping to locate her. On the train, Buck meets Emma Mazda (Martha Raye). Emma is attracted to him and tries to flirt, but Buck isn't really interested. They both take off at a stop and decide to travel together. Meanwhile, Doris' father initiates a search to find his daughter and promises the one who brings her back a $5,000 reward. A couple of criminals, who have seen Doris, try to catch her and bring her back.
...
Wikipedia