Arizona is a 1918 American silent melodrama film produced by and starring Douglas Fairbanks and released by Famous Players–Lasky under its Artcraft Pictures banner. Based on the successful 1899 play of the same name by Augustus Thomas, the film was directed by Albert Parker.
Despite mixed reviews and its release near the end of the Spanish flu epidemic, the film prospered at the box office largely on the strength of its star's drawing power.
Arizona is presumed lost.
Contents
Plot
Denton is a lieutenant in the U.S. Cavalry regiment commanded by Colonel Benham. Benham is married to the much younger Estrella, the daughter of wealthy rancher Canby. Estrella has a sister, Bonita, with whom Denton falls in love.
Denton discovers an affair between Estrella and Captain Hodgeman. In his effort to break up the affair, Denton follows Estrella to her room where Benham catches them and misunderstands what he sees. Denton honorably keeps Estrella's secret and in consequence must resign in disgrace.
Canby hires Denton as foreman of his ranch. Denton's relationship with Bonita is endangered by Hodgeman who lies to Canby about him. Hodgeman's grudge against Denton leads to a fight between the two during which Hodgeman is shot and mortally wounded. Denton is suspected, but a cowboy, Tony, declares that he fired the shot to retaliate for Hodgeman's dealings with the girl that he loves. In the end, Estrella reveals the truth about her own indiscretion, enabling Denton and Bonita to marry with her family's blessing as well as a happy ending for Benham and Estrella.