While Western, which 'In Old Arizona' is classified under when it comes to genres, is not my favourite genre in film (mystery, thriller and animation are the personal favourites, and also love musicals). There are though many Western classics, naming them though here will be unfair however, there are several Western icons in cinema (John Wayne being one of the best kown) and have always appreciated the genre. Am not really biased towards or against any film genre really.
'In Old Arizona' is most notable for two things. One being that it is the first talkie Western. The other being that the film's star Warner Baxter received the second Best Actor Academy Award in the awards' history, following on from Emil Jannings in 'The Last Command'. So of course there was interest as to how 'In Old Arizona' would hold up and also if Baxter was deserving of the Oscar. Seeing the film, it is an interesting and quite enjoyable film, but it does show its age and there are better Westerns about. The main reason to see it is historical interest, but of course that's not the only reason.
The film still looks pretty good and doesn't have too much of a primitive look. The big budget for the time shows in the handsomely produced sets and the photography is stylish. There is some witty scripting and the story engages enough, with some rousing action and charming moments.
Also spirited performances from Baxter and Dorothy Burgess (seldom better), Baxter's Oscar win didn't strike me as an undeserving one. While not being one of the ones that sticks in the mind unforgettably.
Pacing though could have been much tighter, as some of it is somewhat static and causes the story to creak. Some other parts of the script are rather awkward and doesn't have the zest that the dialogue for the two leads have. The editing could have done with more tautness.
Likewise with the direction. The supporting performances to me were not as good as the leads, some exaggerated acting going on from particularly Edmund Lowe.
Concluding, worth the look if not an essential. 6/10
'In Old Arizona' is most notable for two things. One being that it is the first talkie Western. The other being that the film's star Warner Baxter received the second Best Actor Academy Award in the awards' history, following on from Emil Jannings in 'The Last Command'. So of course there was interest as to how 'In Old Arizona' would hold up and also if Baxter was deserving of the Oscar. Seeing the film, it is an interesting and quite enjoyable film, but it does show its age and there are better Westerns about. The main reason to see it is historical interest, but of course that's not the only reason.
The film still looks pretty good and doesn't have too much of a primitive look. The big budget for the time shows in the handsomely produced sets and the photography is stylish. There is some witty scripting and the story engages enough, with some rousing action and charming moments.
Also spirited performances from Baxter and Dorothy Burgess (seldom better), Baxter's Oscar win didn't strike me as an undeserving one. While not being one of the ones that sticks in the mind unforgettably.
Pacing though could have been much tighter, as some of it is somewhat static and causes the story to creak. Some other parts of the script are rather awkward and doesn't have the zest that the dialogue for the two leads have. The editing could have done with more tautness.
Likewise with the direction. The supporting performances to me were not as good as the leads, some exaggerated acting going on from particularly Edmund Lowe.
Concluding, worth the look if not an essential. 6/10