Champion the Wonder Horse to 1953, and in the television series during the 1950s. Several other "Champion" horses were used as stunt doubles and for personal appearances throughout the years. There were three official Champions that appeared in Gene Autry films. The original Champion was a dark sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings on all his legs except the right front. The original Champion first appeared on screen with Autry in "Melody Trail" (1935) and went on to co-star in 51 additional Autry films. The horse was previously owned by Tom Mix and was used during the filming of "The Phantom Empire"
Gene Autry filmography Gene Autry filmography This Gene Autry filmography lists the films and television episodes starring the American singing cowboy Gene Autry. From 1934 to 1953, Autry appeared in 93 films. Discovered by film producer Nat Levine in 1934, Autry and his sidekick Smiley Burnette made their film debut for Mascot Pictures in "In Old Santa Fe" as part of a singing cowboy quartet. In 1935, Levine gave him the starring role in the 12-part serial "The Phantom Empire". When Mascot was absorbed by the newly formed Republic Pictures, Autry went along to make 57 B Westerns in which he played under