The Road Demon
The Road Demon

Movie spotlight

The Road Demon

1921
Movie
50 min
English

Tom Mix trades horses for cars. Tom Higgins meets Patricia O'Malley whose father is a car manufacturer. O'Malley is hoping to land a contract with a Japanese firm, if only his car wins the Los Angeles-Phoenix auto race. Hap enters, but O'Malley's driver, Luther McCabe causes the race to be lost. Higgins discovers that McCabe is in league with O'Malley's competition, so for the next race, in Fresno, he takes over when McCabe drops out and wins the race.

Insights

Director: Donald CrispGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

A young cowboy, driven by loyalty and a sense of justice, finds himself caught between a ruthless cattle baron and a desperate homesteader family. He must navigate treacherous terrain and even more treacherous human nature to protect the innocent and uphold his own moral code. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the unforgiving frontier, where survival often depends on quick decisions and unwavering resolve.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from the early 1920s, contemporary critical reception is difficult to definitively gauge through modern metrics. However, films of this era typically aimed for straightforward narratives and strong emotional arcs. 'The Road Demon' likely would have been appreciated for its Western setting, dramatic tension, and the performance of its lead.

What Reviewers Say

  • Presents a classic Western tale of good versus evil.

  • Features dramatic confrontations and a focus on frontier justice.

  • Likely appreciated for its rugged setting and moral dilemmas.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific silent film from 1921 is not available.

Fun Fact

Donald Crisp, known for his Oscar-winning role as the father in 'How Green Was My Valley,' directed this early Western, showcasing his versatility across genres even in the silent era.

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