The Happy Trails Theatre Starring Roy Rogers and Trigger “The Golden Palomino”
Roy Rogers “The King of the Cowboys” returns to Saturday morning television again as RFD-TV showcases a different classic western movie from the Rogers’ family collection in a 90-minute block each week.
The full-length films, which were so popular to millions of baby-boomers and their parents, feature Roy Rogers and Trigger “The Golden Palomino” along with special appearances in the later movies featuring Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes, Bullet “The Wonder Dog” and a host of other familiar characters, plus western-themed music performances.
As an additional bonus, each RFD-TV featured presentation is hosted by Roy Rogers Jr. (Dusty), and Roy’s grandson, Dustin, who provide unique commentary and insights into the production of the movie, as well as, tales of their experiences growing up with these American icons. The new wrap-around segments were produced recently in Branson, Missouri by noted film producer and Rogers’ family friend, Jeff Cramer. Roy Rogers, Jr. and Dustin’s western music group “The High Riders” also perform at the end of each show, as time allows, in tribute to Roy’s music and that of the group that got all this started – “The Sons of the Pioneers.”
“Mom and Dad would be so proud to know that their movies are now being showcased on RFD-TV as this channel mirrors and honors this values that were so much a part of what they truly believed in, and ingrained into our family every day growing up in the Rogers’ household.” stated Roy Rogers, Jr. of his famous parents, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, “I think that viewers are really going to enjoy the stories that Dustin and I will share each week about not only the movies, but this wonderful time in our lives.”
“It is simply an honor to be able to air the Roy Rogers Theatre as it is such a natural fit for RFD-TV,” continued Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD-TV. “I was one of those boomers who grew up idolizing Roy Rogers. It is our hope that families throughout the country will use this opportunity to sit down and watch these movies again with their children and/or grandchildren, while introducing a new generation to the ‘good guys’ and ‘television the way it used to be.’ I really appreciate the support that RFD-TV has been getting from the Rogers’ family to help make this happen.”
Most of the films are from 55 to 78 minutes in length, which will allow various opportunities for the wrap-arounds and “High Riders” performances. At this time, RFD-TV has secured the rights to the 33 movies in the Rogers’ family collection, which will air in successive weeks. RFD-TV is also attempting to obtain the rights to the Roy Rogers television show series, which would then be added to the program schedule in 2011.