Watch Under California Stars

Under California Stars is a 1948 American Western film, directed by William Witney, starring the legendary singing cowboy Roy Rogers, his horse Trigger, and Jane Frazee. The film was produced by Republic Pictures and written by Sloan Nibley and Howard J. Green. The movie tells the story of Roy Rogers, a singing cowboy who uncovers a scheme by the notorious criminal, Wolf Reade (Michael Chapin), to counterfeit money. Reade's gang is targeting a traveling carnival, which includes Roy's old friend, Gabby Whittaker (Gabby Hayes), and his daughter, Janie (Jane Frazee). Roy teams up with Gabby and local law enforcement to stop the gang and bring Reade to justice.

The film opens with Roy Rogers singing the titular song, "Under California Stars," as he rides through the beautiful countryside atop his beloved horse, Trigger. The scene captures the essence of the Western genre, depicting the vast open spaces and the rugged individualism of the American West.

Roy's character in the film is a charming and charismatic cowboy, who is not only an expert horseman but also a talented singer. He performs several songs throughout the movie, including the popular tune "Blue Shadows on the Trail." His musical talents add an extra layer of entertainment to the action-packed plot.

The antagonist in the film, Wolf Reade, is a cunning criminal who is intent on using his counterfeit money to build a criminal empire. He is played with conviction by Michael Chapin, who portrays the character as a ruthless and determined villain. He enlists the help of several henchmen, including the menacing Trigger Gargan (Bob Steele), to carry out his plans.

Alongside Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes plays his classic role as Roy's comedic sidekick, Gabby Whittaker. Despite his advanced age, Gabby is still capable of handling himself in a fight and provides comic relief throughout the movie. Jane Frazee plays the role of Janie Whittaker, Gabby's daughter, and love interest of Roy. She is depicted as feisty, independent and capable of holding her own in a hostile environment.

Aside from the main characters, the film is also filled with several memorable supporting roles. Andy Devine, one of the most recognizable cowboy actors of the era, plays a sheriff who helps Roy in his efforts to stop the counterfeiters. Also appearing in the film is the famous singing duo, the Sons of the Pioneers, who perform several songs alongside Roy.

One of the standout elements of the film is the cinematography. The beautiful landscapes of Southern California are captured in vivid detail, highlighting the stunning natural beauty of the region. The scenes of Roy and Trigger riding through the countryside are particularly memorable, as are the shots of the carnival setting up and dismantling.

Under California Stars is a classic example of the Western genre. It has all the hallmarks of a great cowboy movie, including thrilling action sequences, memorable characters, and excellent music. It provides an excellent showcase for Roy Rogers, who delivers a terrific performance as the singing cowboy. The film is a must-see for any Western enthusiast or Roy Rogers fan.

Under California Stars is a 1948 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.