Jul 31, 1939

Gene Autry stars as "Colorado Sunset" debuts in movie theaters. Others appearing on the screen include Smiley Burnette, Buster Crabbe and Patsy Montana, who sings "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart"

Aug 14, 1939

Gene Autry's 35th motion picture, "In Old Monterey," appears on American movie screens, with Autry singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." The cast includes Smiley Burnette, The Hoosier Hot Shots, Gabby Hayes, Stuart Hamblen and Sarie & Sally

Aug 25, 1939

Amid signs that Europe is about to break out in a major war, Republic Pictures wires Gene Autry to return immediately to the U.S. The cowboy will, in fact, remain in England; he's in Liverpool when Germany invades Poland one week later

Nov 16, 1939

Gene Autry stars as "Rovin' Tumbleweeds" debuts in theaters. Smiley Burnette receives second billing, and Autry sings his trademark "Back In The Saddle Again." It also marks Lee "Lasses" White's first film since leaving the Grand Ole Opry

Nov 22, 1939

Republic Pictures' "Saga Of Death Valley" opens in movie theaters. Starring Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes and Doris Day, it also features Jimmy Wakely and Johnny Bond, making his celluloid debut

Dec 15, 1939

"South Of The Border," starring Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette, appears in movie theaters. Autry sings "South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way)"

Mar 2, 1940

Gene Autry stars as "Rancho Grande" debuts in movie theaters. The flick also features Autry's horse, Champion, and his trusty sidekick, Smiley Burnette

May 15, 1940

Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette try to stop an on-screen kidnapping with the theater debut of "Gaucho Serenade"

May 20, 1940

The Los Angeles Times reports that Gene Autry and rival silver-screen cowboy Roy Rogers "have puffed the peace pipe." Their feud, however, is strictly a publicity gimmick instituted by Republic Pictures

Jul 16, 1940

"Carolina Moon" debuts in movie theaters, featuring Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette. Autry receives musical support from Texas Jim Lewis And His Lone Star Cowboys