Appealing Rogers oater. It's not so much a typical cowboy movie as a horse show. The plot's more complex than usual; plus, fans looking for gunplay and fisticuffs may be disappointed. Instead, Roy needs to clear himself from the belief that he shot Trigger's father Golden Stallion. Actually, it was scheming gambler Scoville (Holt) who's looking to gyp ranch owner Kendrick (Hayes) out of his land. Trouble is Kendrick thinks Roy is the horse killer and won't help him, even though daughter Susan (Evans) is drawn to Roy.Gabby's his usual grouchy self, much of it atypically aimed at Roy. In fact, his Kendrick is not very likable through much of the movie. High points include some awesome mountain scenery, a scary cougar, and some well-done horse action. Also Roy, Dale, and 'Pioneers take turns crooning several lovely standards. All in all, it's a more easy-going hour-plus than the usual. I'm just sorry to say they don't make 'em like this anymore. A "7" on the Matinée Scale.

"My Pal Trigger" is a showcase for "The Smartest Horse in the Movies" as Roy Rogers' horse was frequently billed. If any fault is to be found with the film, it's probably that there are too many stories going on; there are enough subplots to support another two or three movies.Central to the movie though, is Roy Rogers' attempt to find a suitable mare to breed with his own horse named Lady. Finding such a horse owned by the Kendrick's (Gabby Hayes as Gabby Kendrick, and Dale Evans as daughter Susan), Roy's request is denied as Gabby has no use for an animal other than those he has raised himself. The Golden Sovereign is part of the Kendrick stable, and is also the target of businessman Brett Scoville (Jack Holt). As Gabby falls deeper into debt at Scoville's gambling club, both Sovereign and the Kendrick ranch are at risk of falling into the villain's hands.Trigger arrives on the scene as the foal of Golden Sovereign and Lady, who managed to get together for a moonlight tryst shortly after the Sovereign is kidnapped by Scoville's henchmen. Framing Roy for the theft, and again implicating him for the death of Sovereign, Roy goes into self imposed exile. With a map of the Western States superimposed on the screen, we're led to believe that Roy has wandered far and wide, only to return to familiar locales for the birth of Trigger. Offering him to the Kendricks' as a replacement for Golden Sovereign, Rogers is finally taken into custody for the earlier events. Scoville now seeing an opportunity, secretly buys Trigger at auction when he becomes collateral for Roy's bail. In a stealthy maneuver, Scoville hires Roy to train Trigger, and challenges Gabby to a showdown race where it's winner take all - Gabby's gambling debt against his ranch. However, when Scoville trips up and places himself at the scene of Golden Sovereign's shooting, Roy has all the ammunition he needs to bring down the villain. In a climactic race at the State Fair, Roy aboard Trigger helps Miss Susan break free of Scoville's race entries; Susan's horse wins the race and Gabby's score is almost settled. It's not until the celebration dinner that the Sheriff arrives to arrest Scoville for the shooting of Golden Sovereign three years earlier.I've read where Roy Rogers considered "My Pal Trigger" his favorite film. For trivia fans as well as Roy Rogers fans, it's interesting to note that Trigger's real name was Golden Cloud, and made his first movie appearance as Lady Marian's mount in Errol Flynn's 1938 film "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Roy bought him soon after and the rest is Western film history.

"My Pal Trigger" was reportedly one of Roy Rogers favorites of his films. Republic gave it a little more budget and its running time at 79 minutes is a good 10-20 minutes longer than the standard "B" programmer. The story involves Roy attempting to have rancher Gabby Hayes prize stallion sire a colt with his mare. Hayes (in a straight acting role) refuses and in the ensuing action, his stallion is shot and Roy is blamed. Of, course the two horses did get together and we know who the resultant colt will be. The rest of the film has Roy trying to convince Hayes and daughter Dale Evans of his innocence. There is not really a black-hearted villain in the story although Jack Holt is a close as it comes as Hayes rival rancher. The picture is devoid of any real action (although there are a couple of minor fights) and hardly a shot is fired. My God even Roy Barcroft as Holt's foreman doesn't even get into a fight. There are a few songs but no production numbers. The Sons of the Pioneers sing a catchy little tune. I liked the Rogers pics directed by William Witney better. They had more action and less music.

One of the best known, and one of the more entertaining, among Roy Rogers' Westerns, "My Pal Trigger" has a pretty good blend of western action and melodrama. It's good entertainment, fast-paced, with plenty going on at all times. The plot may not always be plausible, but it always keeps your attention, as one thing after another keeps coming up to test Roy's patience and ingenuity. Although much of the time you can see what's coming, it's pretty hard not to pull for him. The movie includes Gabby Hayes as one of his most cantankerous characters, and also Dale Evans. If you enjoy these old B-Westerns, you should find this one worthwhile.