Post by rmichaelpyle on Jan 31, 2011 14:10:50 GMT -6
In 1930 most city theaters had switched to electronic sound capability for sound pictures, but a lot of theaters in the countryside still were not wired for sound, so they showed only films that were shot both in silent and sound versions. Not for very long, of course - and 1930 is probably where most found the new capability. Last night I watched the silent version of "The Mounted Stranger" (1930), a western starring Hoot Gibson which also was released in a sound version. The silent version only runs about 50 minutes, whereas the sound version runs at least 65 minutes, but, having seen the silent, I'd say that there are several scenes missing that originally were there. No continuity was lost necessarily, but there were a couple of times I could see a too rapid cut-to.
The DVD is from Grapevine, and it contains both versions of the film. The silent is quite good, by the way, with good doses of both very serious western style gun play and a lot of humor, too. The show also has Louise Lorraine, a WAMPUS Baby Star of 1922 who had some success in silents, made a few westerns in 1930-31, only two of which were sound, and, after having divorced the western star Art Acord, married again, had children, and retired. She's quite good in this film playing a Mexican senorita. She was good at parts like this, having honed her talents in cliffhanging serials during the 1920's, and the outdoors fitted her perfectly. The bad guy in this is Fred Burns, but there aren't really any good guys, if you look close enough - except Hoot Gibson. He's not only good, but a sort of western savior to many. Also in the cast is Francis Ford, brother of director John Ford, and I've got to tell you - every time he appears he steals the scene right out from whomever is in the scene with him! He's really a tough lookin' hombre, and he plays the part of Spider Coy to a T!
Plot begins several years earlier during a range war with sheepherders and cowherders. Gibson's father (Milton Brown) is a sheepherder and he's murdered by Fred Burns right in front of Gibson as a boy (played by Buddy Hunter). Gibson grows up to be called "The Ridin' Kid", based on his ability to win rodeo events. He also goes hunting for Burns, finds him, and the trouble begins. In the end, just for the record, Burns is killed by one of his own men! Good riddance!
Wonderful show! Definitely recommended if you're into "B" westerns. This was made by Universal/Jewel Pictures and directed by Arthur Rosson, brother of the great cinematographer Harold Rosson. Arthur Rosson was an assistant director, by the way, on the 1948 John Wayne film "Red River", one of the greatest westerns ever made. I thought the cinematography in this silent was superb, capturing a realism that was especially gritty, in particular the barroom scenes with Spider Coy. There's a kind of claustrophobic photography - even outdoors - that keeps you riveted as a viewer to what's going on. No time to lose attention with the countryside. Just the opposite of, say, a John Ford western!
Highly recommended, but beware the print is Grapevine quality, but very watchable! I've not seen the sound version yet. Let you know about it later...
The DVD is from Grapevine, and it contains both versions of the film. The silent is quite good, by the way, with good doses of both very serious western style gun play and a lot of humor, too. The show also has Louise Lorraine, a WAMPUS Baby Star of 1922 who had some success in silents, made a few westerns in 1930-31, only two of which were sound, and, after having divorced the western star Art Acord, married again, had children, and retired. She's quite good in this film playing a Mexican senorita. She was good at parts like this, having honed her talents in cliffhanging serials during the 1920's, and the outdoors fitted her perfectly. The bad guy in this is Fred Burns, but there aren't really any good guys, if you look close enough - except Hoot Gibson. He's not only good, but a sort of western savior to many. Also in the cast is Francis Ford, brother of director John Ford, and I've got to tell you - every time he appears he steals the scene right out from whomever is in the scene with him! He's really a tough lookin' hombre, and he plays the part of Spider Coy to a T!
Plot begins several years earlier during a range war with sheepherders and cowherders. Gibson's father (Milton Brown) is a sheepherder and he's murdered by Fred Burns right in front of Gibson as a boy (played by Buddy Hunter). Gibson grows up to be called "The Ridin' Kid", based on his ability to win rodeo events. He also goes hunting for Burns, finds him, and the trouble begins. In the end, just for the record, Burns is killed by one of his own men! Good riddance!
Wonderful show! Definitely recommended if you're into "B" westerns. This was made by Universal/Jewel Pictures and directed by Arthur Rosson, brother of the great cinematographer Harold Rosson. Arthur Rosson was an assistant director, by the way, on the 1948 John Wayne film "Red River", one of the greatest westerns ever made. I thought the cinematography in this silent was superb, capturing a realism that was especially gritty, in particular the barroom scenes with Spider Coy. There's a kind of claustrophobic photography - even outdoors - that keeps you riveted as a viewer to what's going on. No time to lose attention with the countryside. Just the opposite of, say, a John Ford western!
Highly recommended, but beware the print is Grapevine quality, but very watchable! I've not seen the sound version yet. Let you know about it later...
