John Wayne as Singin' Sandy. If that doesn't make you snort milk out of your nose, I don't know what will. If you're a fan of the Duke but not very familiar with his early B westerns, the opening moments of this will probably have you staring at the screen in disbelief. I have seen quite a few of Duke's movies from this period and still my mouth hung open in shock. The plot is about government agent Singin' Sandy Saunders (audible groan from me just typing that) trying to put a stop to a bad guy withholding water from ranchers. Sandy also catches the attention of Andy Hardy's sister (Cecilia Parker), who's the daughter of Gabby Hayes.
Now, as shocking as John Wayne doing the Gene Autry routine is, the bigger shock is that this actually isn't a bad movie! For a B western of the time, it's better than average. Wayne is personable and believable as the hero, of course. Parker is pretty and likable; one of Duke's better love interests in these cheapies. Some highlights are Gabby Hayes' enthusiasm for biscuits, Yakima Canutt's stunts, and all of the laughable scenes where Duke lip-syncs. But the single best scene is when Sandy is called out for a shootout and the townsfolk suddenly realize who he is. "Why, that's Singin' Sandy," someone says with a straight face. Unreal.
Now, as shocking as John Wayne doing the Gene Autry routine is, the bigger shock is that this actually isn't a bad movie! For a B western of the time, it's better than average. Wayne is personable and believable as the hero, of course. Parker is pretty and likable; one of Duke's better love interests in these cheapies. Some highlights are Gabby Hayes' enthusiasm for biscuits, Yakima Canutt's stunts, and all of the laughable scenes where Duke lip-syncs. But the single best scene is when Sandy is called out for a shootout and the townsfolk suddenly realize who he is. "Why, that's Singin' Sandy," someone says with a straight face. Unreal.