In 2011, I announced I was trying to see every film released in 1939. This new series chronicles films released in 1939 as I watch them. As we start out this blog feature, this section may become more concrete as I search for a common thread that runs throughout each film of the year. Right now, that’s difficult.

1939 film:
Marshal of Mesa City (1939)

Release date:
Nov. 3, 1939

Cast:
George O’Brien, Virginia Vale, Leon Ames, Henry Brandon, Harry Cording, Lloyd Ingraham, Slim Whitaker, Joe McGuin, Mary Gordon, Frank Ellis

Studio:
RKO Radio Pictures

Director:
David Howard

Plot:
Mesa City is filled with crime and the local sheriff, Jud Cronin (Ames) is corrupt. The criminal activity has gotten so bad, that school teacher Virginia King (Vale) is ready to leave town. However, when former lawman Cliff Mason (O’Brien) comes to town, the mayor hires him as marshal. To help him out, Mason hires gunman Duke Allison (Brandon) to help get the town in order.

1939 Notes:
• By the numbers:

Other trivia:
• One of six films that George O’Brien and Virginia Vale co-starred in.
• Though not an official remake, several of today’s film critics say the film is similar to Arizona (1935).
• George O’Brien’s character was based on Wyatt Earp, according to an Earp biographer.

My review: Searching for the “1939 feature”:
George O’Brien was a leading star of major films, like SUNRISE, in the silent era. But by the late 1930s, O’Brien was primarily in lower budget westerns.

While several of O’Brien’s westerns are similar, MARSHAL OF MESA CITY is a cut above the rest, and includes more interesting secondary characters.

Mesa City has high crime and is run by corrupt leaders, like Sheriff Jud Cronin (Ames). Cliff Mason (O’Brien) is hired by the mayor to clean up the town. In an unconventional move, Mason also hires notorious gunman Duke Allison (Brandon) to help get the town in order.

While fans of nostalgia musicals, like MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS or ON MOONLIGHT BAY, know Leon Ames best as a frustrated father, getting to see Ames here as a corrupt and dastardly sheriff will be a treat. Ames really is fun in this movie.

Another highlight is the underrated Henry Brandon, as the notorious gunman who comes to the right side of the law. Some Wyatt Earp historians note that George O’Brien’s character is based on Wyatt Earp. If that’s the case, Henry Brandon’s Duke Allison is certainly modeled after Doc Holliday.

It’s interesting to see how George O’Brien’s career shifted from major Hollywood player to matinee cowboy. Every film O’Brien made in 1939 was a western.

However, these don’t feel like cheap, quickie western B-movies. They have more substance, better co-stars and more plot than just riding horses across the plains.

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