The Baron of Arizona

Although Vincent Price is probably best known for his work in horror films, he acted in many other dramatic roles, appearing in leading man romantic and dramatic roles earlier in his career.  Wanting to do more work of the character actor, he moved on later to villain types and the horror genre.

In the Sam Fuller-directed The Baron of Arizon, he plays a fictionalized version of James Reavis, known in history as a swindler. The film begins in Phoenix, during the early 1900s. Several businessmen and politicians are celebrating Arizona becoming a state, one mentions Reavis, and the film is told in flashback.

In the late 1800s, Reavis visits a hacienda, claiming abandoned orphan Sofia (Ellen Drew) is really a baroness. Over several years, he lays a foundation of bogus evidence so when her identity is "confirmed," it will give her (and him) the rights to a lot of land he wants, all of Arizona territory.  When she matures into a beautiful young woman, Reavis marries her, and returns to Phoenix to make his claim to the land. Officials believe his documents are forgeries, but need to inspect old Spanish charters to make sure, although they hope to buy him off with many millions of dollars.  Although Sofia says she wants him, she begins to think he is not as truthful as he says. Disgruntled citizens become enemies.

The rest of the film are of the officials trying to catch him out. I was hoping the film would start him off with humble beginnings, small cons until he does this big one, but it starts when he plots this scheme.

The actress playing the adult Sofia doesn't show much emotion despite the major life events she lives through. She's supposed to be Spanish but doesn't portray her as such, and I don't get much Latin flavor from her, she actually seems too old for her character. (Reavis is supposed to be a lot older than her but he doesn't appear that old compared to her.)

Vincent Price as expected is his evilly best, infusing his character with natural charm.