Arizona (1918 film)
| Arizona | |
|---|---|
Lobby poster
|
|
| Directed by | Albert Parker |
| Produced by | Douglas Fairbanks |
| Screenplay by | Theodore Reed |
| Based on |
Arizona by Augustus Thomas |
| Starring | Douglas Fairbanks |
| Cinematography |
|
| Edited by | William Shea |
|
Production
company |
Douglas Fairbanks Pictures Corp.
|
| Distributed by | Artcraft Pictures |
|
Release date
|
|
|
Running time
|
5 reels (4,213 feet) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Arizona is a 1918 American silent melodrama film produced by and starring Douglas Fairbanks and released by Famous Players-Lasky under its Artcraft Pictures banner. Based on the successful play of the same name by Augustus Thomas, the film was directed by Albert Parker.
Despite mixed reviews and its release near the end of the Spanish flu epidemic, the film prospered at the box office largely on the strength of its star's drawing power.
Arizona is presumed lost.
Denton (Fairbanks) is a lieutenant in the U.S. Cavalry regiment commaded by Colonel Benham (Frederick Burton). Benham is married to the much younger Estrella (Kathleen Kirkham), the daughter of wealthy rancher Canby (Theodore Roberts). Estrella has a sister, Bonita (Marjorie Daw), with whom Denton falls in love.
Denton discovers an affair between Estrella and Captain Hodgeman (Harry Northrup). In his effort to break up the affair, Denton follows Estrella to her room where Benham catches them and misunderstands what he sees. Denton honorably keeps Estrella's secret and in consequence must resign in disgrace.
Canby hires Denton as foreman of his ranch. Denton's relationship with Bonita is endangered by Hodgeman who lies to Canby about him. Hodgeman's grudge against Denton leads to a fight between the two during which Hodgeman is shot and mortally wounded. Denton is suspected, but a cowboy, Tony (Raymond Hatton), declares that he fired the shot to retaliate for Hodgeman's dealings with the girl that he loves. In the end, Estrella reveals the truth about her own indiscretion, enabling Denton and Bonita to marry with her family's blessing as well as a happy ending for Benham and Estrella.
The source material for the film was the enormously successful play of the same name, first staged in 1899 and credited with launching the trend for Western-themed plays. Some of the cast recruited for the film were also associated with the play: Theodore Roberts originated the role of Canby on the stage; Frank Campeau was well known for portraying Tony.
Allan Dwan had directed Fairbanks in several successful pictures since signing with Fairbanks' studio in 1917; he was slated to direct Arizona as well, but in mid-production Dwan departed the picture and the Fairbanks company. Recently signed by Fairbanks to direct, Albert Parker took over direction of Arizona. The extent of Dwan's contribution, and how much remained in the final film, is not known; advertisements for the movie do not mention a director and contemporary reviews only name Parker.
...
Wikipedia