Although it's often stated that when Rogers started out, he didn't directly compete with Gene Autry, this isn't true. In fact, he was actually hired as a replacement, as Rogers himself details at length in his autobiography. Although Rogers was never as popular with exhibitors, he had a great fan following, In fact, he managed to run up a total of no less than 91 movies in which he either starred or enjoyed a "special guest" spot in addition to his 12 appearances as one of the Sons of the Pioneers. Many of these movies are available on Public Domain DVDs, although there is no definitive edition of his work, as there is for Gene Autry. Worse, some of the DVDs reproduce cutdown TV versions rather than the original theatrical release. A pleasing exception is Volume 6 of "The Great American Western" series which reproduces the original USA release version of "My Pal Trigger". Admittedly it runs only 79 minutes, and I would have much preferred a re-issue of the 85 minutes version which Rogers himself regarded as his best film and which I saw in theaters back in 1947. Nonetheless, despite the cuts, this is still a top Rogers entry which dares to be extremely critical of law enforcement agencies. That's a nice change in itself. In fact, the only other movie I can call to mind that really gets the boot into the "justice" system is Paramount's "Vice Squad" (1931). Evidently Republic's Herb Yates had a fit when he saw the finished movie and ordered 6 minutes of cuts, but you can't cut out the theme of the movie itself, and even in its truncated state, it's still a riveting film.

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.

In a flashback story, Roy Rogers relates how he obtained "My Pal Trigger". Mr. Rogers was, some time ago, a traveling peddler (and breeder) of horses. He rode a horse named "Lady". The Lady and the Gentleman go to George "Gabby" Hayes' ranch, where Rogers meets Bob Nolan and the "Sons of the Pioneers". Rogers next meets Gabby's lovely daughter Dale Evans (as Susan); she is atop the stallion "Golden Sovereign'. Rogers wants to breed "Lady" and "Golden Sovereign", but Mr. Hayes refuses. Jack Holt (as Brett Scoville) is an even badder dude.It's easy to see why this film is a sentimental favorite; and, it is an interesting change-of-pace. The part with Rogers, Ms. Evans, and the two horses meeting is clever - there is a parallel attraction between the two horses AND between Rogers and Evans. Having the horses get together and mate, on their own ,was quite nice. The mating of "Golden Sovereign" and "Lady" is confirmed (in case there was any doubt) by the birth of "Trigger". Along the way, the adults, especially Rogers, help give the Horses great characterization and appeal. There are some sweet, and sad, scenes Rogers plays out with the horses.The weaknesses in the story are going to be very obvious as you watch - you're barely able to accept the premise of the story when Rogers is suddenly accused of a crime. He's found "red-handed" by Gabby Hayes, Dale Evans and the "Sons of the Pioneers" - Evans points her gun at the accused Rogers, the man with whom she'd just been singing a happy song. The quickness to believe Rogers guilty is ridiculous. Later, Evans reverses her position. By then, the plot contrivances have multiplied faster than the horses. Though some of the scenes with the horses are nice, they are simply not adequate for what is attempted. **** My Pal Trigger (7/10/46) Frank McDonald ~ Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Dale Evans

"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.