Runtime: The print on Turner Classic Movies was a little over an hour
Directed by: William S. Hart
Starring: Hart, Margery Wilson, William Fairbanks, Aaron Edwards
From: Kay-Bee Pictures
Despite what I've heard (& repeated) in the past, it was William S. Hart and not Tom Mix who was the first Western star. Only recently was my mistake rectified; as I was part of a recent messageboard discussion concerning the silent era-where I proclaimed what my favorites were-and Turner Classic Movies just happened to show some of Hart's work late last night, this film was selected. It can be found on YouTube... in truncated form so I'm glad the full version-a little more than a hour-was played in great restored form.
Unlike Mix's films that were more theatrical and action-filled (judging by hearsay and my having seen exactly one of each from the two), the classically-trained stage actor Hart was more concerned w/ authenticity and acting prowess. Henceforth, except for a fight and some gunplay, this was more a serious drama where Hart was the titular Wolf Lowry, a cattle baron who is gruff and doesn't want any squatters on his land, until it's a pretty young woman. Note that Hart was in his 50's while Margery Wilson was 30 years younger. Believe it or not, that mirrored William S. in real life but you can look at his Wikipedia page to learn more about how perhaps he wasn't the best husband & father...
Back on topic, Mary is looking for her long-last love. Can you guess what eventually happens as Lowry starts romancing her? As melodramatic as this was, at least the acting was good and the plot never became boring; the inclusion of a real heel character in Buck Fanning (this has some tremendous names, although Wolf's legit first name was Tom) did help in that regard. Unlike plenty of silent actors-including Margery Wilson; none of the four movies she directed survive either-it is easy to see many William S. Hart movies if you're so inclined. I was happy to learn more about this popular figure during the early days of Hollywood—and likewise inform everyone of Hart.
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