Movie spotlight
The Challenge
Quarrier's rival Robert Lester schemes to have the engineer imprisoned, but the government pardons him so he can oversee a project vital to the country's growth. On the job, Quarrier once again meets Lester, who has tricked Alberta Bradley into selling him the land which is to be used for the project. Alberta still feels as if the land is her own, and threatens to kill the first of Quarrier's workers to swing a pick into it. Quarrier himself begins digging, and while she is unable to kill him, she vows to hate him forever. Gradually, their relationship softens, and the two come to love each other, with Alberta acknowledging the worth of Quarrier's project. Then, working together, they expose Lester to government authorities, since he has been plotting to keep all of the project's profits for himself.
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Plot Summary
A ruthless cattle baron known as "The Devil" terrorizes a small frontier town and its inhabitants. He desires the affections of a young woman, but she is in love with a brave cowboy. The cowboy must find the courage to stand up to the tyrannical baron and protect the woman he loves, facing perilous challenges in the process.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1916, contemporary critical reception is not as readily available in modern databases as for more recent films. However, early Westerns of this nature were generally popular for their action and dramatic narratives, often appealing to a broad audience.
What Reviewers Say
Early silent Westerns often showcased straightforward tales of good versus evil.
The film likely featured dramatic confrontations and a clear hero-villain dynamic.
Lon Chaney Sr.'s early work is notable for his physical transformations and intense performances.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this 1916 film is not available. Early film audiences generally appreciated Westerns for their adventure and moral themes.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for featuring an early performance by Lon Chaney Sr., who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, often referred to as the "Man of a Thousand Faces".
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