In Old Arizona (1928)

Winner of 1 Academy Award:

Best Actor

Warner Baxter

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

Fox

Best Directing

Irving Cummings

Best Writing

Tom Barry

Best Cinematography

Arthur Edeson

It won 1 Oscar out of a total of 5 nominations in 1928-29.


In Old Arizona is a western that follows notorious outlaw, the Cisco Kid.  After robbing a stagecoach, an army sergeant pursues the bandit in hopes of obtaining the $5,000.00 reward for his head.  A secret romance, however, turns to betrayal when the Kid's señorita wants in on the action.

Credited as the first sound western, it was also the first talkie to be filmed outdoors.

Raoul Walsh was originally cast in the lead role and set to direct the picture, but was forced to drop out after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident.  Driving from Utah to California, a jackrabbit - believe it or not - jumped through the windshield of Walsh's car.  Broken glass gashed his right eye, which he would ultimately end up losing, causing him to start wearing the eye-patch that he was so famous for.

Because of the accident, director Irving Cummings was brought in to work on the project, with Warner Baxter in the lead role.  Walsh and Cummings would take co-director credits on the film, but it was only Cummings that the Academy ended up nominating for Best Directing.

A few distance shots of Walsh as the Cisco Kid also made it into the film, as well.


Editorial:

This was, indeed, a compelling story that was done really well.  Baxter gives an outstanding performance, and the photography is great.  Although the slow pace of the second act causes the film to drag, the first and third acts are very engaging.  With such a satisfying resolution, complaints are minimal.

As a viewer, one must wonder how much of the film was directed by Walsh and how much of it was directed by Cummings.  Warren Baxter is on-screen through most of the film, so the bulk of it was obviously done by Cummings.  But which shots were done by Walsh?  Quite curious.

Score  |  07/10  |  This motion picture may be essential viewing.