Henry Goes Arizona

While Frank Morgan is most known for his appearance in "The Wizard of Oz", his forte was making nice B-movies for MGM. His affable personality shone through in these pictures and most are well worth seeing--and the quality of the films make them seem like A- pictures--short enough to be a B but higher quality.

Despite the weird title, "Henry Goes Arizona" is one of Morgan's better films. He is lovely in the lead and it helps that he had able support from Guy Kibbee, Slim Summerville and, especially, Virginia Weidler.

Then the story begins, Henry (Morgan) learns that his step-brother has died and left him his ranch out west. Considering Henry is broke, he eagerly jumps at the chance to take control of the place. However, when he arrives in Tonto City (tonto is the Spanish word for 'idiot'), he learns that his step-brother had been murdered and Henry is not about to stick around and be killed himself. But his sweet nice, Molly (Weidler) believes in him and so he belatedly decides to stay. But being a total wimp, you wonder just how long Henry will stick around Tonto City.

An enjoyable script and some enjoyable acting make this worth seeing. By the way, notice Morgan on a horse...he really did know what he was doing despite acting out of his element!

Henry Conroy (Frank Morgan) is a New York performer who is afraid of everything especially guns. He inherits an Arizona ranch from his half-brother. Molly Cullison (Virginia Weidler) is his newly discovered 'niece'. It turns out that the brother was murdered for the ranch. Innocent Danny Regan is on trial for the murder and he is supported by Judge Van Treece (Guy Kibbee).

Frank Morgan is great. Weidler is adorably spunky. She does become more the star of this movie. She has a great turn. I'm less convinced with his moves. I really wish that she comes to his rescue for the climatic peak. This is a fun comedic western.

This little known film was shown the other night thanks to TCM. It proved to be a delightful surprise. The film directed by Edwin Marin and based on a story by W.C. Tuttle, makes a well spent sixty-six minutes.

Best of all is Frank Morgan, who plays a man who suddenly learns about he has inherited his step-brother's ranch in Arizona after having failed in Manhattan. The film is fun because of the contrast the cattle farm presents for city slicker Henry Conroy.

The supporting cast is excellent. The charming Virginia Weidler plays Molly, who takes to Henry immediately, as she thinks she has found a father figure at last. Guy Kibee, Slim Summerville, Douglas Fowley and Owen Davis Jr., are seen in minor roles.

The film is a lot of fun thanks to Frank Morgan who is amazing in it.

I saw this movie recently on Turner and i enjoyed it very much. Frank Morgan was a talented actor and here he is at his best. The actress who played the little girl was truly great, a gifted talent.

There are some funny scenes like the one where Morgan tries to mount a horse by himself. After many tries he rides off barely hanging on. I think i smiled the most at this silly part. Still, the film is more of a character driven comedy that is mostly sweet and sentimental rather than hilarious. It reminded me somewhat of an episode of the Andy Griffith show. Another funny bit that has the sheriff and a prisoner sort of breaking out of jail together was very much like Barney and Otis doing their thing. This one is short and doesn't take time for adding a romantic interest for Morgan's character but that really wasn't necessary.

This film was pretty well written but the cast make the movie. Guy Kibbee also does a fine job as a drunken but good intentioned lawyer. Overall a delightful old movie and for me, an enjoyable time spent watching. 1939 was certainly a great year for Hollywood!!

Frank Morgan leads a likable cast in this pleasant comedy about a kindly but unsuccessful New York actor who inherits a ranch out west and needs help saving it from a gang of outlaws.

Virginia Weidler is tops as the 12-year-old niece who has high expectations for her Uncle Henry; she helps Morgan develop his better self and eventually finds in him a kind of father figure.

Among Morgan's other new western friends are Slim Summerville as the mild-mannered local sheriff; Guy Kibbee, a lawyer of dubious morals who turns out to be an ally as well; and Owen Davis, Jr., handsome young cowboy who is falsely jailed for murder but lends assistance to the cause when Weidler charms the sheriff into letting him "escape." Douglas Fowley plays the lead baddie—and very nasty and snippy he is when his wicked plans are thwarted! But even he looks like he knows it's all in fun.

Morgan is very good at the center of it all. Hesitant, nervous, indecisive, well-intentioned but occasionally blustery—he is easy to root for.

Very lightweight but lots of fun….Charming characters and a cute if simple story make this one enjoyable.