My Pal Trigger (1946)

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Considering the sappy title, 'My Pal Trigger,' I was expecting the usual Roy Rogers' western; i.e. pleasant, wholesome, sentimental, musical, fun and slightly juvenile. 'My Pal Trigger' had more tragic elements (including the violent deaths of two horses), a less sympathetic, stubborn, more feisty Roy Rogers and story which plays out over four years. Gabby Hayes, usually Roy's sidekick, plays his adversary, and has a gambling problem to boot! This is one of the best pairings of Rogers/Evans, though it takes a very long time for their relationship to jell. It's too bad Herbert Yates didn't shoot this one in color, since there are so many beautiful horses and scenery. As best I can see, the movie has only one serious factual flaw and one very unlikely event, and to describe those would spoil the fun. However, I'll explain them under spoilers to see if you agree, once you've seen the movie.WARNING: SPOILERSRoy is blamed for the death of Gabby Hayes's Palomino, Golden Sovereign, after he is shot by the villain with a rifle and Roy's handgun is discovered to have one bullet discharged. However, Roy's handgun is VERY unlikely to fire the same caliber bullets as any rifle. Another unlikely, though possible event, occurs to Trigger, as a colt. Trigger steps in a trap meant for a mountain lion, but it is obvious the kind of trap shown would have hopelessly mangled Trigger's leg.END OF SPOILERSThese quibbles aside, 'My Pal Trigger' is one of Roy Rogers best 'adult' pictures, albeit a 'B' western with cheap production values, nonexistent directing and dull cinematography. These movies exist in a kitschy, predictable world of their own. When compared to 'A' westerns, it's barely worth a '5,' but on the 'B' level it's almost a '10'. Therefore, I give 'My Pal Trigger' a '7'.

"My Pal Trigger" was reportedly one of Roy Rogers favorites of his films. Republic gave it a little more budget and its running time at 79 minutes is a good 10-20 minutes longer than the standard "B" programmer. The story involves Roy attempting to have rancher Gabby Hayes prize stallion sire a colt with his mare. Hayes (in a straight acting role) refuses and in the ensuing action, his stallion is shot and Roy is blamed. Of, course the two horses did get together and we know who the resultant colt will be. The rest of the film has Roy trying to convince Hayes and daughter Dale Evans of his innocence. There is not really a black-hearted villain in the story although Jack Holt is a close as it comes as Hayes rival rancher. The picture is devoid of any real action (although there are a couple of minor fights) and hardly a shot is fired. My God even Roy Barcroft as Holt's foreman doesn't even get into a fight. There are a few songs but no production numbers. The Sons of the Pioneers sing a catchy little tune. I liked the Rogers pics directed by William Witney better. They had more action and less music.

One of the best known, and one of the more entertaining, among Roy Rogers' Westerns, "My Pal Trigger" has a pretty good blend of western action and melodrama. It's good entertainment, fast-paced, with plenty going on at all times. The plot may not always be plausible, but it always keeps your attention, as one thing after another keeps coming up to test Roy's patience and ingenuity. Although much of the time you can see what's coming, it's pretty hard not to pull for him. The movie includes Gabby Hayes as one of his most cantankerous characters, and also Dale Evans. If you enjoy these old B-Westerns, you should find this one worthwhile.

I went on a nostalgia trip and screened this movie when hearing of the death of Dale Evans. It is the best of the Roy Rogers movies with a real story and some genuinely touching moments, it is also a nice reminder of what a pretty and gracious lady Dale Evans was.