Watch The Big Sombrero

The Big Sombrero is a Western musical film released in 1949, starring Gene Autry, Champion, and Elena Verdugo. As a longtime cowboy singer and actor, Gene Autry stars as himself and takes on the lead role. He plays a singing cowboy who gets involved in a murder investigation in Mexico. The film is set against the backdrop of the Mexican countryside, with plenty of sweeping landscapes and lively music.

In the movie, we see Gene Autry return to Mexico to visit his friend, Pancho, played by Fernando Alvarado. When he arrives, he discovers that Pancho has been murdered, and all fingers point to a charming but ruthless bandit named La Cucaracha (played to sleek perfection by Stephen Dunne). As the only witnesses to the crime, Pancho's daughter, Elena, played by Elena Verdugo, and ranch-hand, Pecos Bates, played by Sterling Holloway, become key figures in the story.

Gene Autry takes it upon himself to uncover the truth behind Pancho's death and bring justice to his friend's family. Along the way, he is met with a series of obstacles and encounters a handful of suspicious characters, including a corrupt judge, a wealthy landowner, and a music-hating town sheriff.

Throughout the film, Gene Autry demonstrates his signature singing expertise with a string of toe-tapping musical numbers. He is joined by the beautiful and talented Elena Verdugo, who proves to be a standout singer and songwriter herself. Together, they create a captivating musical duo that brings the film's Western landscape to life.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is a tango number between Gene Autry and Elena Verdugo. Set in a dimly lit bar, the two perform a sultry dance that showcases their undeniable chemistry. The number is a perfect combination of melodrama and musical spectacle and proves to be a highlight of the film.

While the plot of The Big Sombrero is formulaic and predictable, the film makes up for it with its infectious spirit, catchy music, and colorful characterizations. It's a classic Western film that doesn't take itself too seriously and delivers plenty of entertainment along the way.

Overall, The Big Sombrero is an enjoyable film that is sure to delight fans of Gene Autry and lovers of classic Western movies. It's a perfect example of the genre, with all the ingredients for a fun and memorable cinematic experience.

The Big Sombrero is a 1949 western with a runtime of 77 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.