"By the Sun's Rays" is an early Lon Chaney film best remembered for the scene in which he attempts to rape the heroine. It's essentially an early western complete with robbery, treachery and vengeance and runs a mere 11 minutes.
The mining office is being robbed of it's gold shipments. It appears that the gang is being warned in advance of the shipments from within. Manager John Davis (Seymour Hasting) is puzzled. The company dispatches detective John Murdock (Murdoch MacQuarrie) to solve the crimes. Clerk Frank Lawler (Lon Chaney) is under suspicion who also has lustful eyes for Davis' beautiful young daughter Dora (Agnes Vernon).
While rounding up the crooks, Murdock discovers that Lawler has been signaling the gang with a mirror by the sun's rays. Davis tells his daughter to return to the office to keep Lawler busy until the posse's return. A frustrated Lawler sees his opportunity and..............................
I'm not positive, but I believe that this film is the oldest surviving Lon Chaney film. A pity.
The mining office is being robbed of it's gold shipments. It appears that the gang is being warned in advance of the shipments from within. Manager John Davis (Seymour Hasting) is puzzled. The company dispatches detective John Murdock (Murdoch MacQuarrie) to solve the crimes. Clerk Frank Lawler (Lon Chaney) is under suspicion who also has lustful eyes for Davis' beautiful young daughter Dora (Agnes Vernon).
While rounding up the crooks, Murdock discovers that Lawler has been signaling the gang with a mirror by the sun's rays. Davis tells his daughter to return to the office to keep Lawler busy until the posse's return. A frustrated Lawler sees his opportunity and..............................
I'm not positive, but I believe that this film is the oldest surviving Lon Chaney film. A pity.