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I really enjoyed this early western. Most of the oaters that came out of the 40s, even the ones honored to have John Wayne in them were not ones to be remembered in years to come as classics. This one is definitely a cut above the cookie cutter variety of that era. John Wayne plays a Boston bred pharmacist who is dapper and very sure of himself when it comes to either being strong and forceful, or brimming with confidence in regards to the ladies. Although there is some of the usual fisticuffs and shootouts, this is not a typical western with multiple gunfights and saloon brawls. Its just a bit more on the civilized side for that early era. Whether your an old time John Wayne fan, or just a wannabe cowpoke like me that longs for the good old days of television when the western was king, I think this is one definitely worth your time to sit a spell for...

This was a John Wayne film before he became a major star. If you remember this and that this was never meant to be a top-quality film with a big budget, then you will probably see that for what it is, it does very well. This western is a bit better than the average western because Wayne's acting is as good as ever and Albert Dekker is a great villain as well. Plus, the writing is very good for this type of film--with excellent dialog and the plot moves along very nicely as well. So, overall, all the necessary elements for a B-Western are here. Oh, and I almost forgot, it has a lady (Binnie Barnes) who is pretty much there as a plot device (after all, you NEED a woman to come between the men in this type of movie--or so it seems). The bottom line is this is fr from great, but very watchable for those who like the genre.

This western from the Republic is a good surprise. First for the character played by John Wayne, a pharmacist, who doesn't fire a single shot during the whole film and doesn't kill anybody. So he is not a typical John Wayne. Then the story, which cleverly mixes John Wayne's uneasy relationship with the titular villain, Albert Dekker (who tends to squint a bit too much), as they both covet Binnie Barnes, one unknowingly, the other very ostensibly. Then the arrival of the gold discovered in California and the madness that goes with it will change the game. The villain remains the villain of course.

Note that it is co-written by three writers, including two women. One of them having been a gagman at Universal (Frances Hyland). The comic relief is provided by Edgar Kennedy and Patsy Kelly, who are not subtle, but who contribute to the originality of this western.

The whole thing is mounted with rhythm where things happen quickly, without any dead time. With multiple settings. To serve these different plots, where everything is guessed, the film is conducted with efficiency by combining entertainment and dynamism.

Once John Wayne got passed B movies, he moved from hit to hit for the most part. Most of those movies are films people know, Stagecoach, Flying Tigers, Back to Bataan, among others.

In Old California doesn't get so well known. But what it is, is an absolutely well crafted western, and in a rare case for me... an authentic feeling romance that does NOT dominate the plot but rather spreads itself subtly through the entire film, complete with a few twists.

Everyone's characterization is excellent, from comedic value, to heroes and villains. This is an excellent John Wayne film for anyone who wants to find yet one more to enjoy.

Will begin by saying that I've been a major John Wayne fan all of my life and have seen many many of his movies, and have screened many of those dozens and scores of times. Recently I viewed this title for the first time. Personally, I feel the film was very well done, and in particular is a solid testament to the fact that the Duke had a much better ability to portray different characters than he has often been credited with. Granted, some Wayne movies are superior to others, but this one had tremendous entertainment value and certainly does not deserve the negative reviews I have read of it. The vast majority of John Wayne's movies rate an overall "good" at the very least, and certainly all of them are worth watching once. I highly recommend this one to even the most apathetic, luke-warm John Wayne fans, and even to his most critical detractors as it really was 88 minutes of good entertainment so make some popcorn, snuggle on the couch with your sweetheart and enjoy this unusual John Wayne film...