Movie spotlight
The U.S. government recognizes land grants made when the West was under Spanish rule. This inspires James Reavis to forge a chain of historical evidence that makes a foundling girl the Baroness of Arizona. Reavis marries the girl and presses his claim to the entire Arizona territory.
In 1860, James Reavis, a ruthless promoter, attempts to claim ownership of Arizona by forging documents and fabricating a royal Spanish title. He marries the daughter of a powerful rancher to gain influence and proceeds to manipulate the legal system and extort settlers. Reavis's elaborate scheme unravels as his deceit is exposed, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
The Baron of Arizona is a lesser-known but intriguing Western that showcases Samuel Fuller's distinctive directorial style. While not a critical darling upon release, it has gained a cult following for its unconventional approach to the Western genre and Vincent Price's commanding performance. Modern reviews often highlight its gritty realism and ambitious narrative.
Vincent Price delivers a compelling performance as the ambitious and morally corrupt protagonist.
Samuel Fuller's direction provides a gritty and intense atmosphere, deviating from typical Western tropes.
The film's plot, while ambitious, can be convoluted at times.
Google audience: Audience reception is limited, but those who have seen it often praise Vincent Price's performance and the film's unique, darker take on the Western genre.
Samuel Fuller initially envisioned the film as a two-part epic, with the second part focusing on the legal battles that followed Reavis's downfall.
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Yikes! Talk about playing the long game...! Vincent Price is at his manipulative best as the scheming "Reavis" who concocts a cunning plan to end up owning the entire Arizona territory. As it acceded into the United States, the government a...