Arizona Whirlwind (1944)

Arizona Whirlwind Poster

US marshals Ken, Hoot and Bob stop a gang dressed as Indians from robbing the stage. After getting repairs at the relay station, but before they get to town, another trap is set, but they get away. In town, they search the stage and find nothing. But hidden in the axle grease can are diamonds. Polini wants them cut into smaller diamonds so that he can easily dispose of them. Throughout this Western, the courageous trio faces off against cunning opponents, including the gang's merciless leader (Ian Keith) and an unsuspecting banker (Karl Hackett).

Introduction to Arizona Whirlwind
"Arizona Whirlwind" is a black and white western movie released in 1944, directed by Robert Emmett Tansey. The movie belongs to the long-running "Range Busters" series, which spanned from 1940 to 1943 and featured a trio of cowboys who right wrongs, capture criminals, and safeguard the innocent in the American West. This specific installation provides a mix of action, adventure, and justice that fans of the genre have pertained to appreciate from the series.

Plot Summary of Arizona Whirlwind
The film follows the adventures of the Range Busters, a trio of cowboys making up Crash Corrigan, Dusty King, and Alibi Terhune, played by Ray Corrigan, John 'Dusty' King, and Max Terhune, respectively. They ride together as vigilantes who intend to preserve justice in the western areas.

In "Arizona Whirlwind", they discover a town intimidated by outlaws who are looting and causing unrest among the people. The gang is led by an infamous criminal called Blackie Wade. The town, desperate for aid, aims to the Range Busters to restore peace and order.

As the story unfolds, the Range Busters go undercover to penetrate the gang. Using their distinct skills and good old cowboy ingenuity, they work to gather evidence and create a strategy to remove Blackie Wade and his henchmen. The Range Busters, acquainted with the rough surface and crazy about the methods of the wild west, utilize their surroundings to their advantage in their mission to bring the criminals to justice.

Crash Corrigan works as the brawny muscle of the group, using his strength to get rid of the hooligans in direct conflicts. Dusty King contributes with his smooth talking and quick thinking, typically discovering methods to get them out of tight spots or to distract the criminals, while Alibi Terhune combines humor and wit with his ventriloquist capabilities, offering comic relief to the trio's unsafe adventures.

The action reaches its climax during a bold confrontation between the Range Busters and Blackie Wade's gang. With blazing weapons and busy action, the cowboys perform their strategy and engage in a fierce fight with the outlaws. Bravery, loyalty, and sharpshooting are on complete display screen as the good guys intend to remove the bad guys.

Themes and Reception
"Arizona Whirlwind" catches themes prevalent in westerns of the time, such as heroism, justice, and the eternal struggle in between excellent and wicked. The Range Busters represent the archetype of the western hero: bold, moral, and ready to combat for those who can not defend themselves. Furthermore, the movie illustrates the significance of relationship and teamwork, with the trio supporting each other unconditionally throughout their objective.

The movie is a case in point of a mid-20th century B-movie western, which was produced on a modest budget and designed to be revealed as the 2nd feature in a double costs. In spite of its production restrictions, "Arizona Whirlwind" delivers entertainment that resonated with audiences of the age, who were drawn to the escapism and excitement offered by westerns.

Legacy of Arizona Whirlwind
"Arizona Whirlwind" remains a notable entry in the "Range Busters" series and holds a place in the pantheon of traditional westerns. Although it may not have the status or depth of larger studio productions, the movie continues to find gratitude among fans of the genre for its straightforward storytelling, familiar western tropes, and the charming chemistry of the 3 leads. For those who enjoy the nostalgia of the golden age of westerns, "Arizona Whirlwind" serves as a spirited, action-packed romp through the wild landscapes of the American imagination.

Top Cast

  • Ken Maynard (small)
    Ken Maynard
    Ken Maynard
  • Hoot Gibson (small)
    Hoot Gibson
    Hoot Gibson
  • Bob Steele (small)
    Bob Steele
    Bob Steele
  • Myrna Dell (small)
    Myrna Dell
    Ruth Hampton
  • Ian Keith (small)
    Ian Keith
    Polini
  • Ernie Adams (small)
    Ernie Adams
    Warren, the Jewel Cutter
  • Karl Hackett (small)
    Karl Hackett
    Banker Steve Lynch
  • Charles King (small)
    Charles King
    Henchman Duke Rollins
  • Dan White (small)
    Dan White
    Engineer Jim Lockwood
  • George Chesebro (small)
    George Chesebro
    Henchman Ace
  • Charles Murray Jr.
    Ted Hodges (as Chas. Murray Jr.)