[The_Return]

The Baron of Arizona (1950)

Lucked out this afternoon and managed to catch this on TCM. Been wanting to see it ever since I first heard about it (Vincent Price as a con-artist trying to steal the entire territory of Arizona? Sold!), but couldn't find a copy. Well now that I've seen it, I wasn't let down at all. Just an all-around great movie, with one of Price's best performances. Supporting cast is really strong too - the lovely Ellen Drew plays Price's "Baroness", and Reed Hadley (who also appeared with Price in Shock and Leave Her To Heaven) lights up the screen as a fraud investigator dying to bring down "the Baron of Arizona".

This is also my first exposure to Samuel Fuller, but it wont be my last - his script and direction had me completely engaged right from the opening scene.

Rarely does Price play this kind of character...to go into what makes it such a great performance would spoil aspects of the plot, but suffice to say he goes far beyond his typical villainous role. I think you all know how huge a fan of Price I am, and I'd put this right up with his best work. A must see for all fans of Price, of a good swindle, or of American history (based on a true story!).


Avatar (2009)

Second viewing in theatres...just as amazing as the first.