Arizona (1940 movie) facts for kids
Arizona is an exciting American western movie from 1940. It was directed by Wesley Ruggles and is based on a book with the same name written in 1939 by Clarence Budington Kelland. The movie stars famous actors like Jean Arthur and William Holden. It was released by Columbia Pictures and was even nominated for two big awards, the Academy Awards, in 1941!
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About the Movie Arizona
Arizona is a classic western film, which means it tells a story set in the American Old West. These movies often feature cowboys, pioneers, and adventures in wide-open landscapes. This movie takes place in the Arizona Territory during the 1860s, a time when the area was still wild and developing.
The Story of Arizona
The movie follows the adventures of a strong and independent woman named Phoebe Titus, played by Jean Arthur. She is a pioneer who runs a successful freight business in the Arizona Territory. Her goal is to build a new life and make a living in this challenging environment.
Things get interesting when a charming newcomer, Peter Muncie, played by William Holden, arrives in town. He's a young man looking for a fresh start. Together, Phoebe and Peter face many challenges, including tough weather, dangerous rivals, and the difficulties of settling a new land. The story shows their struggles and triumphs as they try to build a future in the rugged Old West.
Who's in It?
The movie features a talented cast that helped bring the Old West to life:
- Jean Arthur as Phoebe Titus: She was known for playing smart and determined women.
- William Holden as Peter Muncie: He later became a very famous actor, known for many different roles.
- Warren William as Jefferson Carteret: He often played sophisticated or villainous characters.
- Porter Hall
- Edgar Buchanan
- George Chandler
- Colin Tapley
Behind the Scenes
The director, Wesley Ruggles, was known for directing many different types of films, including comedies and dramas. For Arizona, he worked to capture the vast and wild feeling of the American frontier. The movie was filmed in the actual Arizona desert, which helped make the scenery look very real and impressive. This was a big production for its time, showing the scale of the Old West.
Why It's Special
Arizona was recognized for its quality, earning two nominations at the 1941 Academy Awards. These nominations were for:
- Best Original Score (the music in the movie)
- Best Cinematography, Black-and-White (how the movie was filmed and looked)
Even though it didn't win, being nominated for an Academy Award is a big honor and shows that the movie was highly regarded by critics and filmmakers. It remains a classic example of a Hollywood western film.
See Also
- List of Western films of the 1940s
- History of Arizona
