There are two sub-genres that I avoid if possible. Movies about circuses (unless the Marx Brothers are in it) and rodeo movies. I think both activities are stupid and cruel to animals. Well, now I have to make an exception to Rodeo movies as well - unless Mamie Van Doren is in it. This is also I imagine one of the few Rodeo-Musicals ever made. Even with her in it I admit to fast-forwarding through the rodeo parts that looked to be half stock footage and half shot for the film. This is Mamie at her most lovely but also most mild. A good girl. She is still making films for the major studios after time at RKO (a Howards Hughes' discovery) and Universal and then one time shots with Warners and Paramount performing in wholesome films. This was to be her last goody-two-shoes role. Next up was Guns, Girls and Cigarettes and that began a series of low budget independent films that were slightly risqué but good fun. I wonder why she went off the traditional path - she is still alive so if I ever meet her I will ask her. She just turned 91 on February 6th.


She is referred to as the Rodeo Queen but she never gets on a horse - nor a man for that matter - but she seems to follow the rodeo circuit earning money somehow. She gets the expected comments from men around her - "I would sure like roping that filly" but ignores them and sashays on. She meets up with rodeo rider Kelly Cobb (Jeff Richards) and falls for him like an anchor. Richards had been an aspiring baseball player and had offers from the Yankees and Dodgers but opted for a film career. Would not have been my choice. Kelly keeps saving her from aggressive men and eventually they along with his friend (Arthur Hunnicutt) travel together. The only drama is when will Kelly come to his senses and kiss her. She plays chaste and doesn't even show her famous cleavage though her figure is unmistakable. She sings about five songs and there are three others performed by two others. A mix of rockabilly and ballads. She can sing. Kind of a dull film but Mamie shines. Directed by Howard Koch who had directed Mamie in Untamed Youth and The Girl in Black Stockings.

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