The Arizona Kid

During the US Civil War, there were some infamous characters who led raiding parties who essentially robbed, burned and destroyed...all in the name of the South. However, many would say that they were thieves and cutthroats and they used the war as an excuse for these actions. The most famous of these was Quantrill and his raiders, though they were one of several groups who engaged in this sort of behavior. So, it's not surprising that "The Arizona Kid" uses this idea and it's up to Roy and Gabby to stop these jerks.

The film starts in Missouri just before the war. Roy comes into town and recognizes McBride, as he's an infamous wanted man. But when soldiers take off after him to arrest him, McBride and his gang bushwhack them....killing the men. Despite this, however, McBride runs about with impunity, as the local sheriff is afraid to do his job. Once the war begins, McBride joins the Confederate army and forms his own cavalry unit...all in the name of helping the South but this gang essentially preys on everyone. Can Roy stop him? And, what about Roy's old pal...he joined up with McBride?!

Here in 2020, some might blanch at seeing a few things in this film--in particular, Roy joins the Confederate Army. Back in 1939, most folks wouldn't have cared. But today, this combined with the happy slaves you see early in the film, it's sure to make some uncomfortable...some mad. My attitude is that I can look past this and realize it was a sign of the times in which it was made. How much you can or cannot do that will depend a lot on how much you like the film.

As for the movie, it's pretty typical for Roy--a B-movie of about 60 minutes and with George 'Gabby' Hayes there as his sidekick. And, like Roy Rogers' earlier films, there's no Dale Evans in it as his love interest. What is NOT typical is the fate of the gang...and the violent ends to these folks might surprise those familiar with Rogers' later, and more gentle, films. I actually appreciated this about "The Arizona Kid" and enjoyed the movie quite a bit.

Roy Rogers (as Roy Rogers) finds his home town divided at the onset of the Civil War. Missouri is a Union State, but Mr. Rogers and the town-folk side with the Confederate States. Rogers and his sidekick George "Gabby" Hayes (as Gabby) decide to work for the Confederacy; their mission becomes defeating renegade Stuart Hamblen (as McBride). The wicked Mr. Hamblen complicates loyalties further by employing Rogers' boyhood friend Dave Kerwin (as Dave).

Obviously, hero Rogers is on the losing side of the Civil War; but the film has little to do with its Civil War setting; instead, it's a story about loyalty and the law. It you ignore the Confederate issues, it's one of the better early Rogers stories. The acting and production levels are relatively high - watch the story after the storm hits, with thunder and lightning used effectively by director Joseph Kane. Dorothy Sebastian (as Bess) is great with Rogers and Hamblen in the final confrontation/shootout scene. Roger's songs are above average, too - particularly when harmonizing with slaves on "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot".

****** The Arizona Kid (9/29/39) Joseph Kane ~ Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Dorothy Sebastian

As is the case in a lot of B westerns the title has nothing to do with the story. The only connection that Arizona has with The Arizona Kid is that Roy Rogers and Gabby Hayes are bringing a string of horses from Arizona as the story opens. Otherwise the action takes place in Civil War era Missouri.

Roy wants to join the Confederate cause, but friend Dave Allen wants to join the irregular guerrillas that Stuart Hamblen is putting together. Roy has scruples about what Hamblen is all about, he's a Quantrill type raider in all, but name.

Later on Hamblen has his connections with the Confederacy severed by the Confederacy due in no small part to Rogers's instigation. After that capturing Hamblen and destroying his band becomes a personal mission for Roy.

I think it completely ironic that the Confederacy had such scruples about the fictional character that Hamblen plays. They sure didn't in real life have any about Colonel Quantrill, they couldn't afford any.

I will say that the final showdown between Roy and Hamblen's character is nicely staged.

Still this is not one of the best of the Roy Rogers westerns.

The Arizona Kid (1939)

*** (out of 4)

Good "B" Western takes place in Missouri, 1861 as Roy Rogers and George "Gabby" Hayes head home and encounter a renegade soldier named MacBride (Stuart Hamblen). Soon MacBride is recruiting men to join his renegade posse who are stealing from people and giving a bad name to the South. THE ARIZONA KID doesn't last an hour but it contains some pretty good action, a nice story, a good villain and of course Rogers and Hayes are always up to their standards. For such a low-budget film I was really surprised at how good the atmosphere was as you really do get the feel as if you're at the start of the Civil War as families are being torn apart and the stuff dealing with the renegade soldiers robbing was very well handled and made for some nice drama. Another good sub-plot deals with Roy getting caught up with an old flame (Sally March) and an old friend who ends up joining the bad guy's troops. These two stories aren't the best written in Western history but they're both above average and makes for some entertainment. As you'd expect, Rogers is in good form as he has no problems fitting into the role of the hero. The screenplay also allows him to sing three good numbers (It's Home Sweet Home, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Lazy Old Moon) that are well shot and performed. Hayes adds his typically nice humor and Hamblen makes for a good villain. There are a couple good shoot-outs and a few explosions as well to cover the action. All in all, if you're a fan of these "B" Westerns then you should be entertained by this one. If these type of things aren't your cup of tea then it's doubtful this one here will change your opinion.

This B western has solid acting ,production values and direction. Joe Kane directs Roy Rogers, "Gabby " Hayes, Stuart Hamblin and David Allen with a sure hand. Unusual for a Rogers film, Kane keeps the singing to a minimum with the emphasis on action and dramatics.The plot concerns Roy and his boyhood friend Dave.Dave is reckless and pursues a career with renegade raider Hamblin.Roy sees trouble ahead and tries to set Dave straight,with no success. Then the Civil War erupts with Roy joining the Confederates and Dave and Hamblin forming their own band of raiders. Roy is ordered to stop Hamblins Raiders. In the final scenes where Roy has to order Dave and the other raiders executed for treason, Roy shows true emotion and a solid bit of acting. Also the final shootout with Hamblin is memorable. This movie is a notch above many other Rogers western. My vote : 7 out of 10.