The Silent Man (1917)
Director:
William S. Hart
Writer:
Charles Kenyon (story)
Stars:
William S. Hart, Vola Vale, Robert McKim, Dorcas Matthews, J.P. Lockney, George Nichols
Just about everybody except the leading lady has a nickname in this William S. Hart Western. The claim of "Silent" Bud Marr (Hart) is stolen by a pair of badmen, dance hall owner "Handsome" Jack Pressley (the always-villainous Robert McKim) and crooked agent Ames Mitchell (Milton Ross). But Marr is determined to get revenge, and he holds up the stagecoach carrying Pressley, his new bride, Betty Bryce (Vola Vale), and the outlaws' first shipment of gold dust. When he realizes that Betty is an innocent that Pressley will no doubt put to work at his dance hall, Marr kidnaps her and puts her in the care of "Preaching Bill" Hardy (George P. Nichols) and his wife (Getrude Claire). Marr is hunted as an outlaw, while Pressley, frustrated that the preacher won't reveal his whereabouts, burns down his home and half-built church. Finally, Marr allows Betty's brother David (Harold Goodwin) to capture him so he can collect the reward. At the trial, things look bad for Marr, since the villains are in charge of the proceedings. But just in time, Marr's pal, "Grubstake" Higgins (J.P. Lockney) shows up and reveals that he is an agent for the department of justice who has had his eye on Pressley the whole time. Pressley is captured in a thrilling Hart climax, and when it is discovered that he was already married to dance hall girl Topaz (Dorcas Matthews), Betty is free to become Marr's wife. The humorous titles here are atypical of the usual Hart feature, and quite refreshing.
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