Home in Wyomin'

Home in Wyoming tells the story of legendary radio star Gene Autry, who returns to his hometown of Gold Ridge at the behest of his old friend Pop Harrison. Pop has a pressing concern that has prompted his call, as his wayward son, Tex Harrison, is rapidly getting into hot water. Tex's problems stem from his reckless spending on high-stakes poker and heavy drinking. These habits have put the rodeo organization at risk of financial collapse, causing a strain on Pop's nerves. As a result, he turns to Gene, a man he knows is fair-minded, tough, and honest, in the hopes that Gene can exert a steadying influence on his son and help him right the ship. Gene accepts Pop's request and returns to Gold Ridge, accompanied by two members of the press, news photographer Clementine "Clem" Benson and reporter Hack Hackett. Clem and Hack are instructed to shadow Gene and gather any scoops they can in the process, providing a comedic counterpoint to the main narrative. Upon arrival, Gene, Clem, and Hack set up shop at the "Bar Nothing" dude ranch, a ranch owned by the rodeo group and serving as their wintering grounds. There, Gene gets to know the local residents, including the beautiful Clementine, and is introduced to the rodeo's operations. As he gets deeper into the inner workings of the rodeo, Gene becomes aware of Tex's reputation, which is not exactly positive among the locals. As Tex and Gene cross paths, things quickly become clear: Tex and Gene have different ideas on how the rodeo should be run, and both men have strong conviction in their ways. Tex is dismissive of Gene's concerns, insisting that as the son of Pop Harrison, he does not need to be lectured on how to run an organization. This initial confrontation sets the stage for the rest of the narrative, which is full of witty banter and humorous misunderstandings. One of the supporting characters, Hack Hackett, brings a sense of levity to the proceedings, often poking fun at the cowboy life and providing sarcastic commentary on the rodeo and its participants. Despite his tough exterior, Hack has a softer side and quickly befriends Gene, forming a comedic partnership that lightens the mood and humanizes both men. Meanwhile, Cleo's character takes a backseat to the rodeo narrative but still adds some charm to the story, as does Hack's banter with Cleo. Gene is a man of principles, and when he sees the rodeo in chaos, he does not hesitate to weigh in. As Gene delves deeper into the workings of the rodeo and his relationship with Tex, a deeper friendship begins to form. Ultimately, the narrative takes a heartwarming turn as Tex confronts his flaws and Gene offers words of wisdom that put him on the path to redemption. Through their interactions, Gene demonstrates his own values and the importance of integrity, a quality he believes all rodeo participants should adhere to. Gene's efforts also help to stabilize the rodeo and bring a sense of calm to Gold Ridge, a place on the verge of chaos thanks to Tex's antics. The narrative comes full circle as Gene's influence spreads, mending ties and creating new ones. Gene's reputation precedes him, and everyone comes to see him as a true leader, someone not afraid to stand up and help others. As Gene prepares to leave Gold Ridge and return to his radio career, he reflects on the experiences he has shared and the lessons he has learned. In the end, his trip home proves beneficial not only for Tex but for Gene himself.