Watch Out California Way

Out California Way is a Western musical film directed by Lesley Selander and released in 1946. The movie stars Monte Hale as himself, a singing cowboy on a mission to help a young singer, Kit Carson (played by Robert Blake), become a star. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a villainous rancher, a group of hardworking Mexican-American farmhands, and a love interest for Hale, June Martin (played by Lorna Gray).

The film begins with Kit Carson and his band of musicians playing a gig at a local saloon. Hale, who is passing through town, overhears them and is impressed by the young singer's talent. He offers to help Kit get a record deal in California, where he believes the young musician's career can really take off. Carson eagerly accepts the offer, and the two set off on their journey.

As they make their way through the American Southwest, Hale and Carson encounter a myriad of challenges, including hostile Native American tribes, dangerous weather, and rival cowboys hired by a wealthy rancher who is determined to stop them from reaching California.

Despite these obstacles, they press on, eventually arriving in California where they meet June Martin, a beautiful singer who also happens to be the daughter of a wealthy rancher. Hale falls for June, but their burgeoning romance is threatened by the rancher's disapproval and the danger posed by the hired gunslingers who are still after them.

Things come to a head when the rancher's farmhands, who are mostly Mexican-American, decide to strike for fair wages and better living conditions. Hale and Carson go to bat for them, leading to a showdown with the rancher's hired thugs. In the end, justice prevails, and the young musicians are able to make it to their recording session in Los Angeles, where they are finally able to fulfill their dreams of success in the music industry.

Out California Way is a charming and entertaining film that blends the best elements of the Western and musical genres. Monte Hale is a likable, charismatic lead who effortlessly combines his singing and acting talents, while Lorna Gray and Robert Blake provide excellent support as the film's love interest and young up-and-coming musician, respectively. The film also features a number of catchy musical numbers and stunning cinematography that showcases many of the Western landscapes of the American Southwest.

Overall, Out California Way is a fun and uplifting film that will appeal to fans of both classic Hollywood Westerns and musicals. With its memorable characters and infectious musical numbers, it is a film that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.