Shooting High

Shooting High is a 1940 American Western comedy film directed by William Beaudine. The story revolves around Sheriff Jeff Smith, a legendary lawman in the small town of Dry Creek, Arizona. Sheriff Smith, renowned for his bravery and unwavering commitment to justice, is the perfect candidate for the starring role in a new feature film being produced by a Hollywood movie company. However, the production team faces a significant challenge: they need an actor who bears an uncanny resemblance to the dashing Sheriff Smith. Their solution is to cast a stand-in who can double as the on-location Sheriff. They discover that Mike Lambert, an old acquaintance of Sheriff Smith, has a striking resemblance to the lawman. They persuade Mike to play the part, promising him a large sum of money and the chance to see a movie premiere. As Mike begins to work on the film set, he finds himself drawn into the persona of Sheriff Smith. Mike discovers that the film's director, a demanding and eccentric individual, has a unique approach to filmmaking. He insists that Mike emulate the mannerisms and behavior of the actual Sheriff, hoping to capture his spirit on film. As the shoot progresses, the production team faces unexpected challenges. A severe sandstorm hits the location, causing delays and disrupting the cast and crew. Mike struggles to cope with the pressures of being in the public eye and the constant scrutiny of the film crew. During his downtime, Mike befriends a local young woman named Patsy, who becomes smitten with his charming and adventurous demeanor. Patsy is initially unaware of Mike's identity as the stand-in and believes him to be the real Sheriff. She introduces Mike to her friends and family in the small town, who are impressed by his supposed heroics as Sheriff Smith. However, when Mike's true identity is revealed, the townspeople are shocked and feel betrayed. Many view Mike as an imposter who is exploiting the Sheriff's legend for personal gain. As the town's trust in the stand-in is eroded, Mike must navigate the complex web of relationships and emotions that have been created. As Mike grapples with the consequences of his deception, he begins to understand the true essence of the Sheriff's character. He starts to grasp the significance of the Sheriff's bravery, compassion, and commitment to his community. This newfound understanding allows Mike to reconnect with Patsy and the townspeople, fostering a deeper connection and respect. Eventually, Mike's relationship with Patsy blossoms, and the townspeople come to accept him as a worthy associate of Sheriff Smith. The movie production crew, too, grows to appreciate Mike's unique qualities and the authenticity he brings to the role. In the end, as the film is set to premiere, Mike is approached by Sheriff Smith himself, who reveals that he was aware all along of the production team's plan to use a stand-in. The Sheriff is pleased with the way Mike has embodied his character, demonstrating his true spirit and charm. The movie wraps up with Mike and Patsy watching the film premiere together, where Mike is seen in the starring role of Sheriff Smith. Their romance has overcome the initial misunderstanding, and Mike has discovered a new sense of purpose and belonging in the small town of Dry Creek, Arizona. Shooting High offers a lighthearted take on the intersection of reality and film noir conventions, with its blend of comedic elements, charming characters, and the blurred lines between on-screen and real-life heroism.