The Arizonian

In the 1930s, Richard Dix was a heck of an actor. While far from handsome, he was rugged and very dependable---a sort of 'anti- Hollywood' type. I love most of his films, and that's why I had to see this film when it came on Turner Classic Movies. Was I disappointed? Read on...

Clay (Dix) arrives in a town to see his brother. He also sees that the place is out of control and lawless and so he takes it upon himself to pick up the sheriff badge and put an end to all this killing. The problem is that the baddies LIKE all the killing and their evil boss-man (Louis Calhern) is going to do anything he can to keep it going. Another problem is that Clay's brother has a girl...and she's falling head over heels for Clay!

The plot for this one is relatively familiar, so the film gets no point for originality. Likewise, when the girl falls for Clay, the viewer isn't the least bit surprised what eventually happens to the brother!! Still, the film is well made--much better than average. Plus Dix and Calhern were exceptional...making this film well worth your while.