Blu ray review: California (1947)

The release of another western on home video from Kino Lorber is always worth celebrating, this time especially in that it features the only time Barbara Stanwyck and Ray Milland co-starred in a film (they both have cameos in the Paramount all-star musical Variety Girl, but not together). 

California is a lesser known movie for both Stanwyck and Milland, and a lesser known western, making it even more welcome to blu ray.  The film is a solid, exciting romantic drama with western action, and a supporting cast that boasts Anthony Quinn, Barry Fitzgerald, and Albert Dekker. Milland is an army deserter who is at odds with a land baron (George Coulouris) trying to stop California from achieving statehood.

John Farrow’s direction nicely balances the narrative conflict, the romance between Milland and Stanwyck, and the well-drawn characters among the supporting characters.  Shot it Technicolor, the film is handsomely mounted and visually stimulating.

California is a bare bones release.  Other than some trailers, there are no special features, including no commentary track. But the film itself is a real sleeper, and a nice addition to anyone’s home library.

It can be purchased at this link:  CALIFORNIA