In Old Arizona

In Old Arizona is a 1928 American Pre-Code Western film directed by Irving Cummings and Raoul Walsh, nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film, which was based on the character of the Cisco Kid in the story "The Caballero's Way" by O. Henry, was a major innovation in Hollywood. It was the first major Western to use the new technology of sound and the first talkie to be filmed outdoors. It made extensive use of authentic locations, filming in Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in Utah, and the Mission San Juan Capistrano and the Mojave Desert in California. The film premiered in Los Angeles on December 25, 1928 and went into general release on December 28, 1928 or January 20, 1929.

Contents

• Plot synopsis
• Cast
• Production
• Preservation
• References

In Old Arizona contributed to creating the image of the singing cowboy, as its star, Warner Baxter, does some incidental singing. Baxter went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. Other nominations included Best Director for Irving Cummings, Best Writing for Tom Barry, Best Cinematography for Arthur Edeson, and Best Picture.

Plot synopsis

A bandit attempts to escape a sheriff while falling in love with a beauty in old Arizona.

Cast

Warner Baxter as The Cisco Kid

Edmund Lowe as Sergeant Mickey Dunn

Dorothy Burgess as Tonia Maria

Production

Raoul Walsh was set to direct and star as the Cisco Kid in this film, but had to abandon the project when a jackrabbit jumped through a windshield of a vehicle he was driving and cost Walsh an eye, after which he wore an eyepatch for the remainder of his life. Walsh never acted again but continued his illustrious career as a film director.

Preservation

The Academy Film Archive preserved In Old Arizona in 2004.