The Gene Autry Show aired for 91 episodes on CBS from July 23, 1950 until August 7, 1956,
originally sponsored by Wrigley's Doublemint chewing gum.
Series star Gene Autry had already established his singing cowboy character on radio and the movies.
Now he and his horse Champion were featured in a weekly television series of western adventures.
Gene's role changed almost weekly from rancher, to ranch hand, to sheriff, to border agent, etc.
Gene's usual comic relief and sidekick, Pat, was played by Pat Buttram, better known to later television viewers
as "Mr Haney" on "Green Acres".
During the first season, Gene's sidekick was played by Chill Wills twice (as Chill)
and by Fuzzy Knight four times (as Sagebrush).
These two actors even wore Pat's costume. Alan Hale, Jr. (a.k.a. - "The Skipper" from "Gilligan's Island")
played a bad guy in several episodes of Seasons 1 and 2, but he also played Gene's sidekick, Tiny,
in two episodes of Season 1.
By this time, Autry had established his own production company, Flying 'A' Productions,
and acted as executive director for the series.
The series lasted 5 seasons. The first 4 were in black and white,
and the final season (13 episodes) was in color.
Color was experimented with in two episodes of the first season.
The theme song Back In the Saddle Again was written by
Autry and Ray Whitley and sung by Gene Autry.
Being screened the same time as Gene's many films,
this was a very popular series in the 50's.
If you note the film locations,
many are well known to Duke's fans,
and featured in many of his early films,
and almost any western made at the time.
Featured many well known character actors of the time,
including a few of Duke's 'Pals'
Chuck Roberson, Denver Pyle, William Fawcett and even Chill Wills,
who stood in for the injured Pat Buttram in some episodes.
Even The Lone Ranger, Clayton More shows up!
See also our dedicated thread:-
Western Screen Legends- Gene Autry
Please note, for continuity, any posts made here,
will also be copied to the Gene Autry thread