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Boston pharmacist Tom Craig comes to Sacramento, where he runs afoul of local political boss Britt Dawson, who exacts protection payment from the citizenry. Dawson frames Craig with poisoned medicine, but Craig redeems himself during a Gold Rush epidemic.
A Civil War veteran, Tom King, heads west to California in the 1860s, seeking a new start after losing his fortune and his bride-to-be. He becomes involved in the burgeoning cattle industry and navigates local politics and romance as California moves towards statehood. King must overcome challenges and rivals to establish his place in the developing territory.
Released during World War II, 'In Old California' was a standard B-Western, offering straightforward entertainment for its time. While not a critical darling, it was generally seen as a competently made entry in the genre, appreciated for its familiar Western tropes and John Wayne's presence. Audiences of the era likely found it to be a satisfying, if unremarkable, cinematic experience.
A predictable but enjoyable Western outing.
John Wayne delivers his usual charismatic performance.
Competently directed with familiar genre elements.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film from 1942 is not readily available in a consolidated format.
This film was one of the first features John Wayne made after his contract with Warner Bros. ended and he moved to Republic Pictures.
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After a bit of an altercation on the steamboat, “Craig” (John Wayne) arrives in the burgeoning town of Sacramento to set up his pharmacy. He’s no quack, but can’t find premises. Luckily, the lady who was the source of an earlier drenching s...
Sweet singing coyotes. Tall and elegant pharmacist Tom Craig comes to Sacramento to open up his own drug store. On route he incurs the wrath of bully boy Britt Dawson, who doesn't take kindly to his Bostonian manners, however Dawson's gi...