jacobs-greenwood Hank Conroy (Frank Morgan) is a vaudeville performer looking for work (from Theatrical Agent Cliff Clark, uncredited) when he receives notice from his landlady, to whom he owes back rent, that his half brother has died and left him a ranch in Arizona. So, Henry Goes to Arizona. On the bus ride to the desert community, he is frightened by stories that his brother was murdered, shot in the back. Jim Thorpe appears, uncredited, as one of its passengers. Hank then learns that his brother was a ruthless rancher and that the jury has just deadlocked in the trial of Danny Regan (Owen Davis Jr.), suspected by few of his brother's murder. Judge Van Treece (Guy Kibbee) had failed to earn an acquittal for his client, so Sheriff Parton (Slim Summerville), one of the ones who doesn't think he did it, must lock Danny up.Crooked banker Ed Walsh (Porter Hall, uncredited) tries to get Hank to sign away the ranch before he's even seen it. His partner in crime, Ricky Dole (Douglas Fowley), was not only responsible for the murder of Hank's brother, but is also the foreman of the ranch. Walsh and Dole were conspiring to obtain the rights to the ranch and its riches before Hank showed up. The skittish Hank is not so sure he wants to stay, and would rather return to New York, before the Judge convinces him that it would be safer if he spent the night out at the ranch. Once he's there, he meets Molly Cullison (Virginia Weidler), who first claims she was Hank's brother's niece before she admits that she only wishes it were true. Molly charms Hank and seems to give him the courage he needs to stand up to those who would run him off. Emboldened by Molly, Hank fires Dole who, along with another conspirator, then spreads vicious rumors among the other ranchers saying that Hank plans changes that would be detrimental to their businesses.However, Hank comes up with a plan to feed the disgruntled posse (Hank Bell and Eddie Dunn are among those who appear uncredited in this group) as he charms them to the point that they ignore Dole's false claims about Hank's intentions. Convinced he's still in danger (having been shot at), Hank decides to return to New York over Molly's fervent protestations and tears. But the Judge pretends to kidnap Molly and interrupts Hank just before he's signed over his ranch to Walsh with the news. While Hank, with the Judge in tow, starts his search, Walsh and Dole discuss what they've done thus far and what they plan to do next to get Hank to give up the ranch to them. In the barn, Molly overhears this, so they catch and really kidnap her. Danny, who the Sheriff had allowed Molly to "spring" from his jail earlier, learns of Molly's kidnapping and the Sheriff allows him to escape again to try and help find her. The rest of the film is the search and rescue of Molly in which Hank shows newfound fortitude and his vaudeville ingenuity to save the day.

csteidler Frank Morgan leads a likable cast in this pleasant comedy about a kindly but unsuccessful New York actor who inherits a ranch out west and needs help saving it from a gang of outlaws.Virginia Weidler is tops as the 12-year-old niece who has high expectations for her Uncle Henry; she helps Morgan develop his better self and eventually finds in him a kind of father figure.Among Morgan's other new western friends are Slim Summerville as the mild-mannered local sheriff; Guy Kibbee, a lawyer of dubious morals who turns out to be an ally as well; and Owen Davis, Jr., handsome young cowboy who is falsely jailed for murder but lends assistance to the cause when Weidler charms the sheriff into letting him "escape." Douglas Fowley plays the lead baddie—and very nasty and snippy he is when his wicked plans are thwarted! But even he looks like he knows it's all in fun.Morgan is very good at the center of it all. Hesitant, nervous, indecisive, well-intentioned but occasionally blustery—he is easy to root for.Very lightweight but lots of fun….Charming characters and a cute if simple story make this one enjoyable.

vincentlynch-moonoi If you enjoy the performances of character actor Frank Morgan (the wizard in "The Wizard Of Oz") you'll enjoy this short (a little over an hour) B film. Morgan plays an easterner who inherits a ranch in Arizona, where they plan to cheat him out of his property...by killing him if necessary (just as they did the previous owner...his half-brother). Sounds pretty serious, but it's done for laughs. Morgan is at his best playing the rather cowardly easterner.You'll recognize a few cast members, though you may only be able to put a name to Guy Kibbee. Delightful, as always, is child actress Virginia Weidler.The film is pleasantly funny, and worth a watch.

asinyne I saw this movie recently on Turner and i enjoyed it very much. Frank Morgan was a talented actor and here he is at his best. The actress who played the little girl was truly great, a gifted talent.There are some funny scenes like the one where Morgan tries to mount a horse by himself. After many tries he rides off barely hanging on. I think i smiled the most at this silly part. Still, the film is more of a character driven comedy that is mostly sweet and sentimental rather than hilarious. It reminded me somewhat of an episode of the Andy Griffith show. Another funny bit that has the sheriff and a prisoner sort of breaking out of jail together was very much like Barney and Otis doing their thing. This one is short and doesn't take time for adding a romantic interest for Morgan's character but that really wasn't necessary. This film was pretty well written but the cast make the movie. Guy Kibbee also does a fine job as a drunken but good intentioned lawyer. Overall a delightful old movie and for me, an enjoyable time spent watching. 1939 was certainly a great year for Hollywood!!