Today’s quick review: In Old California. Tom Craig (John Wayne), a pharmacist from Boston, makes the journey to Sacramento, California, to set up shop and serve the growing community there. Upon arrival, Craig makes an enemy of Britt Dawson (Albert Dekker), a powerful man in town, but also catches the eye of Lacey Miller (Binnie Barnes), Dawson’s girlfriend. But instead of Lacey, Craig falls for Ellen Sanford (Helen Parrish), a wealthy socialite.
In Old California is a classic Western comedy adventure starring John Wayne. The story follows Tom Craig, a well-mannered and charming druggist, as he carves out a place for himself in the rough world of Gold Rush-era California. In Old California goes far on the back of a likable hero, a generally light tone, and a plot that echoes Western themes without copying them directly. However, the movie misses out on some of the appeal of its competition.
The greatest strength of In Old California is its hero. Tom Craig is a cheerful, unflappable, and unfailingly polite man who brightens the day of everyone he meets. It is refreshing to see him talk his way through rough situations without a trace of dishonesty or self-interest, and the positive effect he has on other people contrasts nicely with Britt Dawson’s status games and thuggish behavior.
Still, Craig can only take In Old California so far. His gentle demeanor prevents the movie from having too much action. It also separates him from the tough, imposing heroes of other Westerns. In Old California makes up for this with a lighter, more optimistic tone and a few prominent comic relief characters. But the script is not as sharp as in a dedicated comedy, and while the plot does a fair job of using Craig, it lacks a clear impetus.
The result is a breezy Western that takes a different tack than most. Fans of the lighter side of the genre will find In Old California to be a fun watch that offers a nice change of pace from the more serious Westerns. But the movie does not have what it takes to excel as a comedy or as an action movie, keeping it from leaving much of a lasting impression.
For a Western comedy that works better with the conventions of the genre, try Support Your Local Sheriff. For a more recent Western with a similar tone, try Maverick. For a more iconic Western starring John Wayne, try Stagecoach.
[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034889/). I give it a 6.5 for a likable lead and a pleasant story.