Hollywood Western variety (mid 1940's)
 Riding out of the sunny back lots of Hollywood, All Star
Western Theatre delivered Republic Western-style entertainment
with chuck wagon sized doses of fine music, broad humor and
guest appearances by the best of the West. The music was provided
by the Riders of the Purple Sage, fronted by Foy Willing, with
the help of Kenny Driver, Al Sloey and Johnny Paul. The group
appeared on various shows on radio, including the Andrews Sisters' Eight-to-the-Bar Ranch in '44-'45, and the Roy
Rogers Show during the 1946 - 48 period. Western swing
was big in those days, and this show has some really fine renditions
in that great American music style.
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Guest stars such as Johnny Mack Brown came
on, and did action sketches and real knee-slapping humor skits.
When these cowboys rustle up humor, they play it about as broad
as the western skies themselves. Laughs this simple are not heard
much anymore, unless you have an eight-year old with an old joke book.
But that doesn't mean All Star Western Theater isn't
enjoyable. It really is, in the same way that the old western
movies are enjoyable. Honest, sincere and un-assuming come to
mind. Done live, All Star Western Theater gives the studio
audience a good show, and the result is still a happy ride down
memory lane.
The same tried and true format is used to equal effect by Roy
Rogers, although it is tough to top Roy for the ease
and sincerity in his delivery of a song. As noted, Foy Willing
and the Riders of the Purple Sage were featured on Roy's
show, and they sure made beautiful music together.
For more western musicals, see also:
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