Arizona Days

Arizona Days is a captivating Western musical action film that was released in the year 1937. Directed by John English, the film features Tex Ritter, Syd Saylor, and White Flash in the pivotal roles. Bucking the common trend of a pure Western genre movie, Arizona Days amalgamates drama, action, music and a sprinkle of comedy. This unique blend made it a gem to watch for all kinds of audiences of the era and continues to charm the classic Western movie aficionados even today.

The plot of Arizona Days revolves around Tex Ritter’s character, Tex Malinson, a famous troubadour cowboy with commendable reputation. Tex and his comic sidekick, 'Grass' Hopper, played by Syd Saylor, arrive in a small Arizona town and soon find themselves entangled in a complex situation. The town is a hotbed of political intrigue and corruption, with territorial candidates squaring off for control, and with his strong moral compass and clear sense of justice, Tex can’t help but get involved.

Tex Ritter, a popular singing cowboy star of the 1930s, suffuses this film with his soothing baritone voice, providing performances of several lovely songs that successfully lighten a somewhat intense plot. His pleasing screen presence, engaging acting and impressive horse-riding skills add depth to his character and the overall plot. His character initially comes across as a grinning jokester who only cares about entertaining, but as the film moves forward, we get to see the different facets of his character that are virtuous, brave and caring.

Syd Saylor makes a fine sidekick with his comic timing, goofy antics, and amazing chemistry with Tex. The character of Grass is loveable, bringing much-needed breaks of laughter amidst the tense climate, though he too is more than meets the eye. He is not just a comic relief but proves himself to be resourceful and courageous in tough situations.

White Flash, the intelligent and spirited horse, plays an important and almost indispensable role in the film. Deserving a special mention, White Flash performs numerous crucial actions throughout the film, including a suspenseful chase scene that remains one of the highlights of this classic Western. The on-screen partnership of Tex Ritter and White Flash is not just captivating but essentially forms the backbone of the narrative.

The film is set against the rugged, picturesque landscapes of Arizona. The cinematography splendidly captures the scenic beauty of the west. The wide-open plains, the towering mesas in the distance, the quaint little town, and the dusty trails all enhance the mood and narrative of the story. They deliver the desired Western vibe that the fans of the genre crave. The themes of territorial conflict, cattle rustling, and the classic theme of good versus evil are all present, making Arizona Days a definitive film of the genre.

The engaging plot is peppered with thrilling chases, impressive stunts, fights and showdowns characteristic of Western films. These sequences are executed with skill and precision, holding the viewer captive to the screen. The cowboy ballads and songs interspersed throughout the movie provide a certain charm and set it apart from typical Westerns.

John English's direction deserves praise for maintaining a delicate balance between action, suspense, comedy, and music. The characters are well-drawn, each with their unique charm and appeal. The performances of Ritter and Saylor being the high points of the film and the clever blend of musical sequences with the narrative are quite commendable.

In conclusion, Arizona Days is a compelling Western musical that is not only entertaining but also possesses a warm heart and a strong moral backbone. It is an absolute treat for lovers of the western genre especially for those who appreciate the inclusion of music and light-hearted humour. It offers suspense and action, laughter and songs, all beautifully set in the scenic vistas of Arizona, making it a timeless cinematic experience.