The Arizonian (1935)

Blonde singer-dancer Margot Grahame (as Kitty Rivers) leaves the western town "Silver City" to escape the clutches of corrupt sheriff Louis Calhern (as Jake Mannen). She must leave boyfriend James Bush (as Orin Tallant) behind, but he's too timid to fret about. On the way out of town, Ms. Grahame's coach is held up by Mr. Calhern's thugs. Fortunately, they are stopped by big, brave Richard Dix (as Clay Tallant) who is going to see his brother in "Silver City". Grahame is so impressed with Mr. Dix' manliness, she decides to join him. Everyone is impressed with Dix and he is appointed marshal. Dix hopes to clean up the town, but Preston Foster (as Tex Randolph) stares him down...

In one of the story's most memorable scenes, Mr. Foster buys a round of drinks and throws them in a line of faces. Foster has the most interesting part. Dix and the others are fairly routine. If you're looking for racial stereotypes, you might be interested in the dotingly slavish Etta McDaniel (as Sarah) and her "pussy footin'" dumb boyfriend Willie Best (as Pompey). In a story written by Dudley Nichols, director Charles Vidor is especially adept with the cast and crew on RKO's western street set/facade. The studio may have been thinking "The Arizonian" would be another "Virginian". They get no cigar, but gravelly-voiced Ray Mayer (as Frank McClosky) is a good western Eugene Palette.

***** The Arizonian (1935-06-28) Charles Vidor ~ Richard Dix, Margot Grahame, Preston Foster, Louis Calhern