Skip Homeier was a good Western actor, far too often seen in subsidiary roles. I have seen most of his performances in film, and he should have had more lead roles. The cast is good and George Macready gives his usual threatening performance, and when you hear his voice ' Gilda ' echoes somewhere in cinematic memory. The film comes alive thanks to Homeier's presence in what is perhaps a predictable plot. But what Western does not have certain familiar tropes, and as in everything the acting and capable direction make the film. I have no idea why it has such low ratings, and maybe an 8 is too much, but for me the film does not outstay its welcome and has all the action one would want and need out of a late Republic film. It is no ' Johnny Guitar ' but at least Homeier could act and was not Sterling Hayden wood. And he was better looking which I am sure at the time of its release was a relief when Wayne and Scott and Glenn Ford still held the field. A welcome, unpretentious film.
Review of Thunder Over Arizona
