 You're 10 years in pictures. You've made millions of friends all over the world. Hey Roy, sing dust. That's all you say in your first picture. You know we haven't heard that in a long time. Nice trip. We'll all be listening to your broadcast Roy. Thanks, Paul. You bet. Hey boys, we'll see you. Hello Roy. Hello Roy. And the homage to the king who's come to greet us. Here, here! Righto, I'm all up to it. A little glitter and a flutter. My little knees are just like butter. To think the mighty king would stoop to meet us. With reverence, we proudly say. Long live the king. Where's the cookie? Huh? Oh, there's nobody. Roy, nobody. Well, we sure haven't missed you around here too, Roy. You helped and I hired so cheap I couldn't afford not to, really. Well, they're certainly well fed. They're a great big... Produce us after we took our naps. Didn't your cousin Cookie? Cousin Cookie, huh? I guess I can't deny him, Roy. It runs in the family. That's Alf and Luke and Grover bullfincher. Cookie, if you don't quit hiring your relatives... Well, Roy, after their mama died... We'll never be able to feed you. I know that. By the way, Cookie, did you ever hire that horse trainer I asked you about? Huh? Oh, well... Yeah, yeah, you know, Roy, now that's something else I wanted to talk to you about. Well, look at that. There's a little bob. This has been rounded up. Range horses is over in the north pasture. Oh. Who is it, Cookie? Oh, some strangers butchering up them range horses for meat and hides. That's what happened to the buffaloes. Yeah, but this is legal and it's hurting our army contract. It isn't legal if it's on our range. We better get over the seat if there's no double our horses that much. See that this is on the up and up. That hurts so bad. Come on, now. On your feet. Lead the rest of your pals back out on the range. Come on, fella. It's less than the manly art of self-defense, too. Watch it. Oh, you were a sucker for those lefts. Yes, sir, we could use that money too. Yeah, yeah, now, fellas. They are getting awful touchy. Well, I'm sore. Where were you when I was taking that beating? Yeah. If we lose that herd, the hide contract is gone and so is the money. Oh, take it easy. We're going to do something about it. What about the horses? We better round them up before Rogers gets everybody thinking his way and they'll run us out. Range horses? Well, that's just chicken feed. What I'm thinking about now is one horse. Yeah, but Rogers... Boy Rogers! And the smartest horse in pictures. Bit nostrating coyote on the air. Traitor. Everyone, I told you not to come in here when we're busy. I know, but it's way past lunchtime and I'm hungry. I can't even find my no-sale stamp anymore. Let me handle this. I told you before, take him out and get rid of him before I do it for you. But don't break him of stealing, Lodge. He'll learn. So take him out and get rid of him. Sure, Lodge. Sure. Between that dog and that step son of yours, my patience is wearing out. Don't worry about him. I'm shipping him off Pronto. I hope he didn't hear that crack about Trigger. Well, Junior, you look nice enough to go to church. All your clothes. Good, good, Cookie. The cousin of yours. Traitor, I had to hire. You see, when I had seven kids and... Cousin Cookie, I'm sorry. It was another mouse. I thought it was. Caroline, meet your boss, Roy Rogers. Yeah. But it's the first time she ever seen a movie star. I can sure tell she's your relation. She weighs a ton. Oh, she ain't so big. How old did you say she was? Well, now let's see. When I... Oh! You know how we tell the ages of horses, don't you? You mean, look at her teeth? Right. I can't imagine her being afraid of a mouse. Why are bullfincher ain't afraid of anything on four legs? He-he-he! Western prairie The cowboy sat a-smokin' And dreamin' By his merry Started howlin' With his nose pointin' to the moon Then I heard him sing this tune You prowl around And you always sound so lonesome It makes me a little bit blue You out the native health of me To hit me up a stick And up and whack your back Trigger standin' there Tellin' you what to play I'll hit the jackpot! For any of your fellas? Are you sure? What's your name son? I'm Ted Connobur, a news tramp. Well, hi Ted. I came here on a business deal. I'm sorry you caught me this way, Mr. Rogers. Business deal? Do you generally go around makin' business deals in one boot? Oh, no! I just listened to the song when Tramp took it. He's always doin' things like that. What's the matter son? You hurt yourself? No, not lately. A horse kicked me two years ago. Doc Richard said I need an operation. Well, I said my leg will have to get well by itself. Where do you live? Well, right now I'm found a place I like and got a job. That sounds to me like a hint. I thought Mr. Rogers might need an assistant. Somebody has to shine his guns. So that's the business deal. Well, I think maybe we could use another hand and his dog. That is, if he isn't runnin' away from home. How about it fellas? Sure. What's the big deal? Well, he's my stepfather. He works for Mr. Jordan down in Saddleback, catchin' wild horses. But he won't mind. Well, I'll phone down and see what I can find out. In the meantime, how about some chow, Carolyn? Okay. Ted, you better come along with me. You could stand a little... Well, you know what they say about cleanliness. Gee, thanks, Mr. Rogers. Well, now that you're workin' for me, just call me Roy. You call me Ted. Maybe we can even find a bone for Tramp. It's like old times here in your voice again. Not just like a kid. Pop Slides McFarland works for me. Yeah. No, he ain't right now. I'll sure tell him when he comes in. Well, thanks for callin', goodbye. That kid of yours up to Rogers Ranch, askin' for a job. Well, that's the last time you'll pull that trick. I'll go up and get him and give him a tan and he'll never forget. Lodge, you ain't tan or nobody. We want him to get that job. Whether you know it or not, the boy's just done us a big favor. Yeah. Maybe he can help us on that Talamino horse trading deal we're thinkin' about. That's right. Hi. Gonna stick around for the big horse, Ray? Who do you think will win? The world's fastest donger, the world's fastest horse. He better bet on my side, Carolyn. Stand for me, he was ready. Get him to trap! You can be the official starter cuttin' cookie. Sure will, cousin. Oh, now wait a minute, boy. You can tell by lookin' at him, he's not one of us. We were bigger than that when we were born. Now get in there and start the race. Go on, go on. Get on your marks, get set, go! Because you can all... Triggers legs are a little bit longer, too. I'll see you back. Good to see you, too, pal. Sure, Lodge. I'm fine. Royce can be a job in the ranch. This is Lodge McFarlane, the boy's step-top. Hi, how are ya? That's mighty nice of you, Mr. Rogers. I'm pretty busy, and Ted and I have been batchin' them. Sometimes it gets a little online, but if he wouldn't be in your way, always room for one more. You mean I can stay? You're not mad at me for... Run away, no, no. There won't be any more running away, will they, Ted? You know, that's mighty handsome of you, Miss Carolyn. The woman's influence will probably do the boy a lot of good. So this is the famous trigger. Roy, I won't apologize for that cow poke of mine sluggin' that horse. I fired him as soon as I found out about it. Tram! Yeah, you see the number, come back here! Hey, Pop, please, I'll get it. Think about it, Ted. Take it easy, Pop. Why, he's just a puppy. Let him have his fun. Be a good boy, Ted. Do it, Mr. Rogers. Tell him. There's your stuff. By the way, you know you're both invited to Roy's anniversary broadcast tonight, don't you? We'll be very sure, Miss Caroline, or bust a cinch. Ten years, huh? Bo will put on a wing day. It's a pretty, I kinda hate to cut it. Yes, indeed, ladies and gentlemen. This beautiful anniversary cake here on the table in front of us is too beautiful to cut. But we've got to get on with the proceedings here. So while the guests in the ranch living room are being served, this anniversary cake, we're going to call upon Roy to give us one of the songs that helped make him king of the cowboys. Ladies and gentlemen, Roy Rogers. Dust, dust in the sky, dust in my eye, see the sun can't find my way, but dust has won the cattle and the sheep seem to reel in the sky. Where's the cake you got there? Yeah, you ought to get yourself some. Yeah, we will. Say, where'd you get that fancy shirt? Oh, it's Roy's. He loaned it to me for the party. Well, he says I'll grow into it. Say, that looks fitting. Let's grab us a hug. I bet you're triggered like some. Let's go see. If you want something to happen to Trigger and your friend, Rogers, you're gonna keep your little mouth shut. Get that? Yes, sir. You just came down here and Trigger was gone. That's all. You never saw anybody, remember? No, sir. I didn't. That's a smart boy. If you ever crack one word, I'll shoot your head off. Don't forget that. And that goes for your friend Rogers and Trigger. Don't try and holler for help, because I'll be right outside the door. What he said about Roy and Trigger? I don't dare tell on him. Search for Trigger is being continued by plane, automobile, and horse, and the sheriff has announced that no stone will be left unturned in the hunt. Although it is fear that Trigger has been stolen and may be held for ransom, no contact has yet been made with the abductor. They'll be contacted soon enough to let them stew in their own juice for a while. I had it all for a green hand as the fella says that ought to do it. We got Trigger. You can have him back for $100,000. A dead horse is no good to you or me. Have money in small bills. Instructions will follow. Act fast and don't fool around. Sounds like head rotors. That's the way we want to sound. Might as well bring him in. There's no use in watching any longer. I guess we're safe now. Did one of our boys just pull it out? Yeah, that was Joe. And he took plenty of grub to the cabin for the boys so they can stay there for a long time without showing themselves. Trigger okay? Yeah. That's good. We don't want nobody coming. They're going from there any more than we can help. Somebody's apt to spot us. Here, hand this letter for me. $100,000? I think that's too much. Why don't we ask for 10 and get it? It ain't good horse trading. Why ask for a little when you can get a lock? If you ain't getting your cut for thinking. All right. Well, I called the studio today and they've arranged to have the $100,000 here the first thing in the morning. You know, I've got to hunt you somebody that knows us pretty well. It was such a smooth job. They must have been watching us all the time. If we had just one clue, if Ted had gotten there a second sooner, he could have had a good look at them. He had quite a scare. He wouldn't go to bed till I told him what was in the ransom note. Then the part about Trigger really upset him. Maybe I better go have a talk with him. How about a lullaby cookie? Sure. What's the matter, Ted? Can't sleep. No, Roy. I understand. I'm having the same trouble. How are you doing, Tramp? Good boy. Here, let me give you a hand. Ted, are you sure you told me everything you saw at the barn that night? What's the matter? Splitter. I can fix that. You know, Ted, anything you're going to remember might give me a clue. You want to get Trigger back, don't you? Oh, yes, more than anything. Hurtin' you? Ted, there's boys all over the world who would like to help me right now. But you're the only one who can. If you know anything, anything at all, don't be afraid to tell me. I will. You want to tell the truth? Sure you do. If everybody would tell the truth, this would be a much better world to live in. You try to go to sleep. Sure, Roy. Don't worry about a thing. They're not worried or they wouldn't be singing. It means... Thanks for the help, fellas. Did the trick. Made me sleepy too. Think I'll turn in and save my strength for tomorrow. Yeah, me too. Don't anybody move. Nobody's going to get hurt. I just want to talk to you. What about? I know where Trigger is. Trigger? And it won't cost you $100,000 to find out. $10,000's my price. How can you prove it? I thought you'd ask that. Take a look at this. Doesn't necessarily prove anything. A lot of horses have white manes and tails. Where is he? First, the $10,000. Okay, you'll get it. But first, I wonder where they shot him. Because he was double-crossing him. Double-crossing who? Wish I knew. We haven't got a chance of... Morning, John. You're right on time. You've been sitting here all night? No, I trust the bars on the window and the burglar alarm. Well, I guess $100,000 in the vault would buy the place. Yeah, I guess so. I'll be in the bank for a while. Move and get yourself a nice cream cone. Thanks, Roy. Oh, it's you again. Nice tramp, nice tramp. Hi, Pop. Howdy, son. Where's Roy? Oh, hi, Lodge. He just went in the bank. Somebody shot Ed last night up at the ranch. Well, you don't say. Yeah. He was just about to tell us where Trigger was when he shot him in the back. You supposed to hurt Trigger? Oh, as long as they get the money, I think the horse will be safe. If they don't, it'll probably be the end of them. Roy's in the bank now getting $100,000. Well, in that case, Ted, you ain't got anything to worry about. Sit on Papi's knee and I'll tell you all about it. You see, it's like this. Roy goes into the bank. He gets the $100,000. He gets to these folks. And Trigger's OK. Sure. That's all they got to do is give the money to the people that did this. Are they treating you all right up there, Ted? Sure, Lodge. Well, that's good. If they don't, you just let me know. Come on, tramp. Beautiful. Beautiful. Hi, Sheriff. Hello, Roy. I guess you can see I got the money. Yeah, the studio shipped it in last night by a special messenger. My duty is to check up on things like that. Going someplace? Mm-hmm. Taxpayers think it's a good idea if I went along for protection. Well, I'm a taxpayer and I think it's a pretty good idea, too. Let's go. Pop Jordan sell them ice cream cones now? No, Roy. I wasn't hungry. So I went over to say hello to Pop and Lodge. Oh. Oh, come on, get in. Try it out this evening. See, but ain't the moon is shining bright. We're just out there fluttering and the one I word is uttered under California star. Yeah, I'm sure missing my big opportunity. I was going to sell Roy a song for his next picture, but Trigger's got me so upset that boots and saddles just sound like a lot of work. It sounded kind of pretty to me. Here's something that came in the mail that looks plenty interesting. That's the other one. Yeah. Roy, this just came. I think it's from the same fellas. What's it say? Trigger's safe. Follow instructions carefully. Be it Twin Rocks tomorrow, it's signed up with money. Put in saddlebags, turn horse loose. If you follow, you will be shot and so will Trigger. Well, at least Trigger's safe and we know what to do. Yes, if you can believe it. I'll sure be glad to see that horse again. You see, Ted, by tomorrow we'll have Trigger back. I think the money will be safe here till tomorrow, Chef. If anything goes wrong, I'll give you a buzz. If I were you, Roy, I wouldn't bother because we're going to forget about this ransom note and I'll pay the money. No, wait a minute, Chef. Trigger means more to me than any amount of money. I'm sorry, Roy, but there's more to this than just getting Trigger back. Man's been murdered and there may be more. That money stays right where it is. There's still law and order in this county and the apprehension of murderers and blackmailers come first. Can't you see if we let this bunch of outlaws get away with this? It will only serve to encourage them and others to pull the same trick again. No one will be safe. But these men are dangerous. They'll kill Trigger if they don't get their money. Yeah, but the money's a... And that's why I'm going to do all I can to prevent that. And I'll need help from all of you. I think you can count on us. I'm sorry, Sheriff. I guess I just didn't realize. You know how much Trigger means to me. But if that's the way you want it, that's where it's gotta be. What's your plan? That's the spirit. Round up your boys and have them meet me here tonight. Now, here's the plan I have in mind. By daylight tomorrow morning, we'll all be staked out in a big circle around Twin Rocks. When Roy turns the horse loose with the fake money, one of us will be able to keep her eye on him at all times without following him and jeopardizing Trigger. Give the horse a good start and follow him at a safe distance. If anything happens, fire is shot and we'll all come running. Understood? Good. All right, saddle up. Troy, don't forget your little package. Hey, Pat, saddle up for me, will you? While the western breezes blow, under California star, Eastlake. The fake money you asked me to make up is in the drawer. You got time to try, chorus? Why not? Hey, but ain't it peaceful out tonight? Hey, but ain't the moon a shining bright? Only place to be, under California. Use it in your next picture? No, it wasn't bad. Oh, gee, then you'll use it all that swell. Well, wait a minute. Who wrote it? A relative. A cousin of mine by the name of Bullfincher. Cookie Bullfincher. I enjoyed that, Roy. Gee, it was beautiful. You think so, huh? Oh, yeah. You're fired. Oh, Roy, you can't fire me. My cousins won't let you. And besides, what for? For writing songs on ranch time. You little tattletail, I'll get you. Roy, honest, I did it on spare time, so help me, I did. From now on, you'll have a lot of spare time. Oh. In Hollywood, writing songs for me. Roy. You come too. You're going to be famous. Oh. Oh. Hollywood. Swimming pool. Lights. And girls. Yeah. We better get started. Oh, old you. Get a bottle. My hat. My hat. My hat. Trigger inside. I guess we have. From Robson to Wem. Well, I'll be dead burned if you ain't the smartest young and then the whole wide west. Head on new old lights. His training at show up in you sooner or later. You betcha. This money's going to give us a good start. What about Trigger? Stay away from him, Ted. He's a killer. He won't hurt me, light. Will you, Trigger? I miss you a lot. All right, boys. We're going out of here. It didn't. I'm sorry, Roy. But they'll contact us again. They want that money. Well, at least we still have the money to give them. I sure hate to tell Ted. Ted must be in the barn. Yeah. So that's where you've been hiding your loot. You're a regular thief. Ted's handkerchief. Somebody's boot. Op's glove. Look what this is. Looks like something's been cut out of here. The ransom note. It was Pop and Lidge's stole Trigger and killed Eddo. I must have taken this from Pop's office the day Ted went to visit him. That was the day I picked up the money at the bank. So now they have Trigger and the $100,000? Now the kid's going. There's no doubt about that. But why did he leave Tramp? I don't know. They were pretty smart. Sending the boy here to spy on you. And then when he saw how things were going, skip out with the money. Tramp seems to think you're wrong, Sheriff. What are we going to do now? Wait for another contact. That's all we can do. We're not waiting for anything, Sheriff. Tramp, come here. Tramp, you never left Ted for anything unless you went to steal something. Now go find him for me, will you? Go find him. Leave him here and they'll find him. I can't move. Don't worry, Glen. We'll fix up something to take you down to the doctor's. Fix up a letter for him, boys. Okay. All right, Ted. Mind the stretcher for Glen. He won't be needing one. What do you think, Jericho? Why, of course not. You mean you didn't? Why, of course not. Gee, thanks. Don't worry. He won't starve, son. Get smoke. Things up. Come on, let's hide together. Oh, boy. I'm sure glad to see you triggered. We've got a hurry. We've got a date on the North Trail. I gave you the signal. I knew you were following me all the time. I'm self-mixed up with a no-good just a minute, young fella. We may have everything. Aiden Hoss is all in my life. He has learned me to drive a hard bargain. I'm not mad at you, Pop. I just... I'm gonna walk just as good as anybody. Roy will be the best doctor in the country.