Movie spotlight
The Barbarian
Elliot Straive is a college professor who has left the evils of civilization behind to raise his son Eric in the purity of the Canadian wilderness. James Heatherton sends Mark Grant to get the mining rights to Straive's land as vast deposits of iron ore have been discovered there. Grant arrives as the elder Straive lies dying and has written a final note to his absent son. Grant tears off the portion of the letter with Straive's signature and forges a concession to the mining rights above the signature. Heatherton, dissatisfied with the unwitnessed signature of a dead man, decides to to himself to get Eric Straive to sign the concession. He sends his family on ahead on vacation. The family hires Eric as a guide, thinking him to be a mere backwoods barbarian. Eric and Heatherton's daughter Floria fall in love, but the relationship falters when she confesses that she has lied to him about why they are there. Grant returns upon the scene and tries to force Eric to sign.
Insights
Plot Summary
An American cowboy, who is a skilled horseman, travels to Arabia where he becomes entangled with a sheikh's plans for world domination. He must use his wits and courage to save himself and thwart the sheikh's ambitions. Amidst the desert landscapes and political intrigue, he also finds himself drawn to a local woman.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from the early 1920s, "The Barbarian" received moderate attention for its adventure elements and the performance of its lead actor, Frank Merrill. Contemporary reviews often highlighted the film's action sequences and exotic setting, though like many films of its era, its critical legacy is less prominent than more enduring classics.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its exciting adventure and stunts.
Appreciated for its portrayal of an exotic locale.
Frank Merrill's performance as the heroic lead was often noted.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific silent film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Frank Merrill, who starred as the "barbarian" cowboy, was a well-known stuntman and rodeo performer, contributing to the film's authentic action sequences.
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