“Neath the Arizona Skies” is a Western film released in 1934 and directed by Harry L. Fraser. The film stars John Wayne as Chris Morrell, a cowboy who becomes the guardian of a young Native American girl named Nina (Shirley Jean Rickert) after her mother dies.
The film begins with Nina’s mother, Mary, being hunted down by a group of outlaws who are after the oil-rich land that she inherited from her father. Mary manages to hide the deed to the land in Nina’s doll, and she entrusts Chris with taking care of Nina and ensuring that the land stays in her possession.
Chris and Nina set out to find Mary’s estranged husband, who is believed to have valuable information about the location of the oil. Along the way, they encounter a band of outlaws led by a man named Sam Black (Yakima Canutt), who are also after the land.
As they continue their journey, Chris and Nina face various challenges, including a dangerous river crossing and a run-in with a group of hostile Native Americans. They also develop a bond, with Chris becoming a father figure to Nina.
In the end, Chris and Nina locate Mary’s husband and retrieve the deed to the land. They also manage to defeat the outlaws and ensure that the land remains in Nina’s possession.
“Neath the Arizona Skies” is a classic Western film, with themes of justice, loyalty, and family. John Wayne delivers a strong performance as the rugged cowboy, while Shirley Jean Rickert brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to her role as Nina. The film features thrilling action sequences and breathtaking scenery, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the Western genre.
Directors:
Harry L. Fraser
Writer:
Burl R. Tuttle
Stars:
John Wayne, Sheila Terry, Shirley Jean Rickert
