Henry Goes Arizona (1939)

Director:

Edwin L. Marin

Writers:

W.C. Tuttle (story)
Florence Ryerson (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

8 December 1939 (USA)

Genre:

Western | Comedy | Drama

Plot:

Henry, a destitute New York actor, inherits his murdered brother, Jim's ranch located just outside Tonto City...

Plot Keywords:

Niece | Vaudeville | Frame Up | Mayor | Rancher

Cast

Frank Morgan	...	Henry 'Hank' Conroy
Virginia Weidler	...	Molly Cullison
Guy Kibbee	...	Judge Van Treece
Slim Summerville	...	Sheriff Parton
Douglas Fowley	...	Ricky Dole
Owen Davis Jr.	...	Danny Regan

Also Known As:

Spats to Spurs (UK)

Runtime:

66 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

Sweden:Btl | USA:Approved (PCA #5828) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review)

Filming Locations:

Iverson Ranch, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Loew's

Trivia:

Ann Morriss (Jill Harper), Olin Howland (Ted Slocum), Robert Emmett Keane (Bentley), Erville Alderson (Dr. John Clemens) and Martin Faust (Jake) are in casting call lists/studio records for those roles, but they did not appear in this movie.

Goofs:

Continuity: A drunk (Uncle Henry in disguise) with a jug staggers into the shack where Molly is held captive. He goes over to the table, takes out the cork from the jug and takes a swig. He puts the jug down without putting the cork back in. He staggers a few steps away, then comes back for another drink and the cork has been replaced.

Soundtrack:

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

lots of fun

I saw this movie recently on Turner and i enjoyed it very much. Frank Morgan was a talented actor and here he is at his best. The actress who played the little girl was truly great, a gifted talent.

There are some funny scenes like the one where Morgan tries to mount a horse by himself. After many tries he rides off barely hanging on. I think i smiled the most at this silly part. Still, the film is more of a character driven comedy that is mostly sweet and sentimental rather than hilarious. It reminded me somewhat of an episode of the Andy Griffith show. Another funny bit that has the sheriff and a prisoner sort of breaking out of jail together was very much like Barney and Otis doing their thing. This one is short and doesn't take time for adding a romantic interest for Morgan's character but that really wasn't necessary.

This film was pretty well written but the cast make the movie. Guy Kibbee also does a fine job as a drunken but good intentioned lawyer. Overall a delightful old movie and for me, an enjoyable time spent watching. 1939 was certainly a great year for Hollywood!!