Thunder Over Arizona

Thunder In Arizona (1956) A unique western with many (contemporaneous for it's western period & locale) valid & ironic twists and turns in it's design. A level of satirical humor exists, here, with a stellar veteran cast, and mixed in a comically satirical style. Some viewers/folks might not understand this about this picture right away. But, in both the plot characters and the story there is integrity of artful purpose. Personally, I loved it!

It's interesting to me that these kind of B westerns that just fly under the radar were made for cinema in the mid 50s. This is a form of cinematic art that is a rare gem, in my opinion.

Skip Homeier was a good Western actor, far too often seen in subsidiary roles. I have seen most of his performances in film, and he should have had more lead roles. The cast is good and George Macready gives his usual threatening performance, and when you hear his voice ' Gilda ' echoes somewhere in cinematic memory. The film comes alive thanks to Homeier's presence in what is perhaps a predictable plot. But what Western does not have certain familiar tropes, and as in everything the acting and capable direction make the film. I have no idea why it has such low ratings, and maybe an 8 is too much, but for me the film does not outstay its welcome and has all the action one would want and need out of a late Republic film. It is no ' Johnny Guitar ' but at least Homeier could act and was not Sterling Hayden wood. And he was better looking which I am sure at the time of its release was a relief when Wayne and Scott and Glenn Ford still held the field. A welcome, unpretentious film.

Good western from Joseph Kane this movie that I saw a long time ago and that I totally forgot, despite this absolutely incredible element: Skip Homeier as the lead hero, not a supporting villain. George McReady is the villain, the master criminal, bad guy, a local corrupt landowner. This is not a surprise, however. It could have been made by a Sidney Salkow or Lesley Selander, not a Jo Kane's trademark. This move belongs to my Jo Kane's favorite, I just found it now. And Skip Homeier and George McReady were not very often seen in Republic Pictures yarns, unlike Forrest Tucker and Rod Cameron. Good watch.

George Macready (as the head villain) was looking seriously too old when this was made. One of those good v bad type of westerns with, in this case, limited acting ability. Not a lengthy film, but for those who enjoy the good guys beating the odds, its not bad TV especially on a wet afternoon.

After killing a notorious outlaw in self defence, Tim Mallory rides into Tombstone, Arizona, carrying the outlaw's shotgun - and is mistaken for the killer, who has been hired to wipe out an entire family.

Usually Skip Homier plays hotheads, but in this Republic western he's a hero, and helps a family of miners against the bad guys led by George MacCready, who is usual reptilian self. Homier is much more easy going and likeable as a hero. Pity he didn't make more westerns as a lead hero.

Thunder over Arizona is a decent B-western with enough action and challenging dilemmas for the good guys to prevail over. It's entertaining and fills the time adequately.