Joaquin Murrieta (1938)
A compact MGM Historical Mystery short bringing the legend of California's most notorious Gold Rush outlaw to the screen in just ten gripping minutes.
Joaquin Murrieta - Movie Information
- Original Title: Joaquin Murrieta
- Release Year: 1938
- Directed by: Fred M. Wilcox
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Mystery, Western
- Runtime: 10m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1938 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: An Historical Mystery #6: Joaquin Murrieta (US)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Joaquin Murrieta - Plot
This MGM Historical Mystery short follows the life and exploits of killer outlaw Joaquin Murrieta, in California in the 1850s.
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Joaquin Murrieta - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Fred M. Wilcox
Main Cast
- Shepperd Strudwick
- Carey Wilson
- Arthur Aylesworth
- Horace B. Carpenter
- Nigel De Brulier
- Frank McGlynn Sr.
- Charles Middleton
- Frank Puglia
- Charles Stevens
- Phillip Terry
Writers
- Douglas Foster
Producers
- John Nesbitt
Joaquin Murrieta - FAQs
What is Joaquin Murrieta about?
Joaquin Murrieta is a 1938 MGM Historical Mystery short that chronicles the life of the notorious outlaw Joaquin Murrieta in Gold Rush-era California during the 1850s. It explores his rise as a feared bandit, the vigilante justice that pursued him, and the legend that grew around his name.
Is Joaquin Murrieta based on a true story?
Yes, Joaquin Murrieta was a real historical figure — a Mexican outlaw who became one of the most notorious bandits in Gold Rush California during the early 1850s. His story blends documented history with legend, and he is often cited as an inspiration for the fictional character Zorro.
How long is the Joaquin Murrieta short film?
Joaquin Murrieta runs just 10 minutes, which is typical for the MGM Historical Mystery short film series of the late 1930s. These compact productions were designed to be screened alongside feature films, offering audiences a quick but engaging look at historical figures and events.
Who stars in the 1938 Joaquin Murrieta short?
Shepperd Strudwick leads the cast as Joaquin Murrieta himself, with Carey Wilson providing narration. The supporting cast includes Charles Middleton, Frank Puglia, Charles Stevens, Frank McGlynn Sr., and Phillip Terry, among others, bringing the outlaw's world vividly to life.
Who directed Joaquin Murrieta in 1938?
Fred M. Wilcox directed Joaquin Murrieta. Wilcox later became best known for directing Lassie Come Home (1943) and the classic science fiction film Forbidden Planet (1956), but in the late 1930s he was cutting his teeth on MGM's short film productions like this one.
What is the MGM Historical Mystery short film series?
The MGM Historical Mystery series was a collection of short films produced in the late 1930s that explored intriguing or controversial figures from history. Each entry ran roughly 10 minutes and was presented as a kind of historical investigation, blending dramatization with narration to bring the past to life.
What themes does Joaquin Murrieta explore?
The short touches on themes of outlawry, vigilante justice, and the tension between new settlers and Mexican Californians during the Gold Rush era. It reflects the broader social conflicts of 1850s California, where questions of land, identity, and justice played out in dramatic and often violent ways.
What are some similar films to Joaquin Murrieta?
If you enjoy the Western outlaw theme, you might like The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), Young Guns (1988), American Outlaws (2001), or The Magnificent Seven (1960). For more classic Western shorts from the same era, Legion of the Lawless (1940) and The Feud Maker (1938) are worth exploring.
More About Joaquin Murrieta
Explore further details about this 1938 short film on these authoritative resources.