The Official Website of Gene Autry, America's Favorite Singing Cowboy

Fun Autry Fact:

In 1940, and probably for several years before and after, the Gene Autry cap pistol was the main industry in Kenton, Ohio, a town of then 7,000.

Film Info

Riders in the Sky

1949
Columbia Pictures
Production #: 9280 or 971
71 minutes

Synopsis:
Gene Autry tells the following legend when asked about the song "Ghost Riders in the Sky": On the eve of his resignation as county investigator, Gene decides to help Anne Lawson clear the name of her father who is accused of shooting a gambler. The only witnesses are terrorized by town boss Rock McCleary, who shoots one, Pop Morgan. Fatally wounded, Pop gives Gene the information needed to clear Lawson, then dies crying that the "Ghost Riders" are coming after him, sending Gene into a showdown with McCleary.

Cast:

Character: Performer:
Gene Autry Gene Autry
Chuckawalla Jones Pat Buttram
Anne Lawson Gloria Henry
Julie Stewart Mary Beth Hughes
Rock McCleary Robert Livingston
Ralph Lawson Steve Darrell
Marshal Riggs Alan Hale, Jr.
Old Man Roberts Tom London
Champion Champion, World's Wonder Horse

Songs:

GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY Gene Autry, Studio Singers
THE COWBOY'S LAMENT Gene Autry
GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY Gene Autry, Studio Singers
IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE NOW Gene Autry
GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY Gene Autry, Studio Singers

Crew:

A Gene Autry Production
Director John English
Producer Armand Schaefer
Screenplay Gerald Geraghty
Based on a Story by Herbert A. Woodbury
Director of Photography William Bradford
Art Director Harold MacArthur
Film Editor Henry Batista
Set Decorator Frank Kramer
Musical Supervisor Paul Mertz
Musical Director Mischa Bakaleinikoff
Song: RIDERS IN THE SKY Stan Jones

Watch a Clip from Riders in the Sky: