Gaucho Serenade

Gene Autry and Frog Millhouse head west from New York toward California with a horse trailer. Ronnie Willoughby secretly hides in the car, unaware of the danger awaiting him. The journey sets the stage for a series of misunderstandings and pursuit.

Ronnie climbs into the car thinking his guardians are Jenkins and Carter. He hides aboard, then falls asleep, believing the pair are his escorts. Gene and Frog soon realize a stranger is riding along, complicating the trip.

Gene recognizes the name Frederick Willoughby and suspects trouble behind Ronnie's presence. Willoughby is set to testify as a witness for California ranchers in a lawsuit against Martin. Martin schemes to kidnap Ronnie to prevent the testimony.

Joyce Halloway and her sister Patsy crash into a lake, and they stow away in Gene's horse trailer. The runaway bride and the lively sister become unexpected passengers. Their presence adds tension and interaction to the group.

Jenkins and Carter pursue Ronnie, attempting to kidnap him. Gene and Frog foil the attempt, protecting the boy from the first major threat on the road. Ronnie's safety now becomes a top priority for the travelers.

The group reaches Joyce's ranch, where Joyce offers Ronnie sanctuary, pretending it is Rancho San Quentin. Ronnie is kept safe under the pretense of hospitality. The deception ties Ronnie to Joyce and her land.

Gene wires Willoughby to tell him Ronnie is with them, hoping to keep him calm. Willoughby misreads the message as a kidnapping notice and breaks out of San Quentin to rescue his son. The plan to protect Ronnie backfires in a dangerous way.

Martin sends his henchmen to join the posse and issues orders to shoot to kill. The fugitives and their supporters are relentlessly chased along the routes toward the destination. Tension builds as the manhunt closes in.

Willoughby arrives at Joyce's ranch, learns Ronnie is safe, and voluntarily surrenders to the sheriff. The immediate danger from the arrest plot subsides as the truth comes to light. Ronnie remains with Joyce and Gene stays nearby.

Martin and his henchmen hijack the train carrying Willoughby back to prison. Gene intervenes just in time, saving Willoughby and ensuring Ronnie's safety. The rescue effectively derail the criminal plan.

Frederick Willoughby is exonerated, clearing his name. He returns to Joyce's ranch to reclaim his son, solidifying the family’s reunion. The community witnesses the triumph of truth over fraud.

Gene decides to stay at Joyce's ranch as the new foreman, embracing a settled life. The film closes with a hopeful future for Gene, Joyce, and their extended family. Ronnie’s safety and Willoughby’s exoneration mark a fresh start.