Under Western Stars (1938)
In the National Film Registry
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53m
Cowboy fights water barons in Dust Bowl, runs for Congress & wins, defying villain & saving farmers.
Under Western Stars (1938), starring Roy Rogers and directed by Joseph Kane adheres to a familiar Western storyline while tackling a socially relevant issue: the Dust Bowl crisis of the 1930s. This real-world environmental disaster becomes a central conflict, explored through the lens of a singing cowboy advocating for water rights against a greedy corporation.
The film's experimental nature lies in its thematic subversion. While Westerns traditionally celebrated rugged individualism and frontier justice, Under Western Stars emphasizes the power of collective action and political participation. Roy Rogers' character, a singing cowboy, is an unconventional hero who utilizes music and political campaigning to fight for his community.
This thematic shift is further underscored by the integration of musical numbers. Songs like "Dust," nominated for an Academy Award, don't simply provide entertainment; they act as powerful commentaries on the struggles faced by ordinary people during the Dust Bowl.
Under Western Stars may not be a complete departure from the Western genre, but its social consciousness and thematic boldness push the boundaries of the traditional cowboy film, making it a fascinating example of experimentation within a familiar cinematic framework.
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