User reviews

George Macready (as the head villain) was looking seriously too old when this was made. One of those good v bad type of westerns with, in this case, limited acting ability. Not a lengthy film, but for those who enjoy the good guys beating the odds, its not bad TV especially on a wet afternoon.

Kristine Miller stars as a tough woman fighting to save her family's mine from a corrupt mayor {George Macready} and his hired thugs. Enter Skip Homeier who is mistaken for bad guy Shotgun Kelly and sets about trying to save the day.

Bad, bad and bad oater showcasing the bad side of Republic Pictures. The story is a solid one and the cast manfully try to make it work. But the action is unadventurous and there's a distinct lack of conviction in the delivery of the tedious script. Filmed in something called Naturama, which was Republic's unique widescreen process, and shot in Trucolor, it's a shame that the cinematography from Bud Thackery fails to bring to life the Iverson Ranch locale. Tho in fairness, the print of the film these days is as awful as the film itself is. The score from R. Dale Butts is devoid of rhythm for the action, while director Joe Kane, a more than competent director on his day, is unable to turn this pigs ear into a silk purse.

Not recommended to anyone other than Western/Republic/Homeier completists like me. 2/10 for George Macready's gusto and Kristine Miller's smile.

After killing a notorious outlaw in self defence, Tim Mallory rides into Tombstone, Arizona, carrying the outlaw's shotgun - and is mistaken for the killer, who has been hired to wipe out an entire family.

Usually Skip Homier plays hotheads, but in this Republic western he's a hero, and helps a family of miners against the bad guys led by George MacCready, who is usual reptilian self. Homier is much more easy going and likeable as a hero. Pity he didn't make more westerns as a lead hero.

Thunder over Arizona is a decent B-western with enough action and challenging dilemmas for the good guys to prevail over. It's entertaining and fills the time adequately.

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.