North of Arizona

Obviously low-budget Western still gets and deserves a high rating for its production values and its quality, though not too well known, cast.

Of its star and action hero, Jack Perrin, mini-biographer Jack Backstreet has written, "he seemed to possess all the assets necessary for cowboy stardom," but "fate would not be particularly kind ..."

What a shame. Perrin was good-enough looking, was a good rider, and his acting skills surpassed many another Hollywood performer who did go on to fame and glory.

In addition to his acting, Perrin handled beautifully well the general action and especially the many fight scenes. A viewer can tell, even without close observation, the numerous fight scenes did not have the slick look of those later choreographed by, for example, Yakima Canutt. Rather, the actors themselves, Perrin, Lane Chandler, Al Bridge, and George Cheesebro, varying from scene to scene, risked injury to produce the action -- and produce it they did!

Sitting down to kill some time, I had no great expectations, so perhaps I am so enthused by "North of Arizona" because it very greatly exceeded my low expectations. Fact is, though, this is quite well done, with very good performances from everyone, cast and director and photographer, and it is exciting and a lot of fun. You can find a very good print at YouTube, presented by those wonderful people, Bob Terry and Westerns on the Web. God Bless Westerns on the Web!