Sioux City Sue

Sioux City Sue is a 1946 Western movie starring Gene Autry, Champion Jr., and Lynne Roberts. It is a classic example of a Gene Autry production that entertains the viewers with singing, action, and humor.

The storyline revolves around Gene Autry and his horse, Champion Jr., who are venturing to Sioux City to perform in a radio show. On the way, they encounter a young woman, Sue Warner (Lynne Roberts), who is driving a wagon and headed to the same place. They soon learn that Sue is the heir to a vast cattle estate and is in danger of losing it due to the nefarious schemes of a rivaling businessman, Martin.

Gene and Sue, along with their friends, devise a plan to protect the estate and foil Martin's intentions. The plan involves Gene singing his popular songs on the radio show to raise the necessary funds to save the cattle estate. Along the way, Gene and Sue fall in love, adding a romantic subplot to the movie.

The movie's theme song, "Sioux City Sue," is by composer Ray Freedman and has become a classic Western tune. The song is about a young woman with a "tender and true heart" who "loves her cowboy" in Sioux City. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics became a hit with audiences and contributed significantly to the movie's overall success.

Sioux City Sue is also notable for its impressive cinematography, showcasing the majestic landscapes of the American West. The action scenes are well executed and thrilling, with Gene Autry performing most of his own stunts. The movie's humorous moments, such as Autry's comedic interaction with his horse, Champion Jr., add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise serious Western drama.

Besides the compelling storyline, Sioux City Sue also benefits from the excellent performances delivered by the cast. Gene Autry is charming and charismatic as the movie's lead, displaying his vocal prowess with his signature singing performances. His chemistry with Lynne Roberts is palpable and makes for an enjoyable on-screen pairing.

Lynne Roberts delivers a solid performance as Sue Warner, portraying the character's courage and determination in protecting her inheritance. Her charisma, combined with her captivating beauty, adds a pleasant elegance to the movie.

Other notable performances include Sterling Holloway as Otis, the radio show's announcer, Frank Jacquet as the villainous Martin, and Jay Silverheels, who would later gain fame as Tonto in The Lone Ranger, playing one of Gene's friends.

Sioux City Sue was released in 1946, a time when Western movies were at the height of their popularity. The movie's success spurred several similar productions, with Gene Autry continuing to dominate the Western film genre. Sioux City Sue was also Gene Autry's first film for Columbia Pictures, after ending his long-term association with Republic Pictures, his previous studio.

In conclusion, Sioux City Sue is a classic Western movie that delivers an entertaining mix of music, action, and romance. Gene Autry and his horse, Champion Jr., lead an excellent cast in a compelling story about protecting a ranch from a greedy businessman. With its memorable theme song, stunning cinematography, and well-executed action scenes, Sioux City Sue is a must-see for fans of the genre.