Singing Guns

Singer-bandleader Vaughn (“Racing with the Moon”) Monroe made a tentative stab at movie stardom in 1950. Singing Guns casts Monroe as western outlaw Rhiannon, who robs from the rich and keeps it. Rhiannon’s particular target is a gold mine that he feels rightfully belongs to him. Whether it does or doesn’t, it takes three people — saloon gal Nan Morgan (Ella Raines), doctor/minister Dr. Mark (Walter Brennan) and sheriff Caradac (Ward Bond) — to capture Our Hero. Though he’s a passable actor, Monroe’s strong suit remains his mellow baritone, which he displays in four different musical numbers, one of which is his Hit-Parade success “Mule Train.” Singing Guns is based very loosely on a novel by Max Brand., An outlaw steals gold from a mine he believes is rightfully his. Vaughn Monroe, in his first dramatic role, sings a few tunes. Ella Raines, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond. R.G. Springsteen directed.