Advanced search
- TITLES
- NAMES
- COLLABORATIONS
Search filters
Enter full date
to
or just enter yyyy, or yyyy-mm below
to
to
to
Exclude
Only includes titles with the selected topics
to
In minutes
to
1-100 of 14,011
- Annie Oakley, the 'Little Miss Sure Shot' of the 'Wild West' gives an exhibition of rifle shooting at glass balls and clay pigeons in a film from the Edison Catalog.
- A fine exhibition of horsemanship by Lee Martin, a genuine cowboy. This particular broncho is an unusually wicked one. (from Edison Films)
- A group of Sioux Indians from Buffalo Bill's Wild West exhibition demonstrates a dance called a "ghost dance".
- Three Sioux Indians perform a 'buffalo dance', while two others use drums to supply a rhythm. The three dancers move around in a circle as they perform the various actions that are part of the dance.
- Champion Lasso Thrower Vicente Oropeza (aka. Vincente Ore Passo/Bisento Orapeso/Vincenti Orapazza) shows his skills.
- "The famous army scout in an exhibition of rifle shooting. A fine picture of the principal, and beautiful smoke effects."
- Two Mexican men duel with knives.
- A vignette of a barroom/liquor-store in the West, no plot per se. However this short is usually regarded as the first "Western" in the sense that it depicts a western scene.
- "A poker game is played in the far West, between two cowboys and a dude. The tenderfoot holds four aces, but the cowboys call him with their bowie knives. The dude, however, draws two big revolvers, and makes the cowboys leave the room, hands over their heads. When they are gone, the dude pulls a couple of strings from the barrels of the revolvers, and fans instead of bullets come out. This picture has made a tremendous hit wherever it has been shown in the Biograph."
- "A decided shady game. Shows a novel way of filling a bobtail flush. Game breaks up in a general scrimmage. The barkeeper cools off the fighters by the judicious use of a siphon of vichy."
- This scene will give you a good idea of the desperate "Hold-Ups" that occurred on the plains when the rush was made to the new gold fields in '49. It shows the desperadoes coming from ambush, covering the driver of the stage with Winchester rifles and ordering him to halt. The occupants of the coach are compelled to dismount from their places and are lined up in a very realistic manner with their hands thrown up. The outlaws get all the booty they can, and are just departing when an armed Sheriff's posse arrives. They pursue the bandits, and after a desperate chase and a brutal conflict, capture them and return to the scene of the robbery. The bandits are then forced at the points of revolvers to ride in front of the coaching part to Dad's Gulch, a mining town, when they are safely landed in the lock-up. This picture will joyously intoxicate any audience, and deafening applause for an encore will be certain.
- A group of bandits stage a brazen train hold-up, only to find a determined posse hot on their heels.
- Alphonse and Gaston are in a Western saloon and are forced to dance by a cowboy, who urges them on by shooting at their feet.
- The scene is in a free and easy cafe. Young men and girls are sitting about chatting and drinking. In comes a typical Western cowboy, who proceeds to "shoot up" the place. He smashes most of the bric-a-brac and has everyone terror-stricken. He forces the bartender to stand on his head, and then insists upon one of the girls doing the same. The girl goes behind a screen and apparently obeys orders, for a couple of trim ankles are seen over the top of the screen. The cowboy thrusts the screen aside and is astonished to see the clever girl waving a couple of artificial stocking forms in the air, she giving him the laugh, and fortunately he appreciates the joke.
- Kit Carson is captured by Indians and tied to a tree in the Indian village. An Indian maiden helps him make his escape.
- Two bunco steerers playing with a Western cowboy try to "do him" by passing cards to each other. They finally show their hands, and one of the crooks holds the winning cards, but the cow puncher, having discovered their crooked work, covers the money with one hand, while he draws a revolver with the other, shooting one through the hat. The other bunco man runs away, but is followed by the cowboy, who continues to shoot. A real typical Western border scene.
- THE LOG HOUSE [THE HOME IN THE WILDERNESS]. Here we see in the midst of a primeval forest, a little clearing and the rude log-house erected by the sturdy frontiersman. A little girl leaves the cabin, and tripping daintily along the forest path in her bare feet, goes to a neighboring spring for water. What she sees lurking in the shadowy thickets causes her to fly back to the cabin for her life. She has no sooner passed the threshold, slamming the door behind her, when a half dozen painted Indians burst into view in close pursuit. Immediately the long rifle-barrel of the pioneer protrudes from a loophole in the cabin wall. It speaks, and a savage leaps into the air and falls clutching the sod. The other Indians slink back, only to reappear an instant later crawling through the grass like snakes and pushing bundles of dry limbs and grass before them. The settler's rifle speaks again and again, but the savages succeed in pushing the combustible material against the house, and in an instant it is fiercely blazing. AN INDIAN MASSACRE [BURNING OF THE CABIN AND MURDER OF THE SETTLERS]. A little girl runs in with the alarm. The door is quickly locked and barred and the long rifle appears at the loop-hole and is frequently fired. The Indians gradually close in on the ill-fated home, and finally have it ablaze from a fire of brushwood. The Indians, now in a frenzy over the success of their fiendish enterprise, procure a log and using it as a battering ram they hurl themselves upon the door and batter it in. The pioneer rushes out to defend his loved ones, but he is quickly overcome and tomahawked, and his wife as quickly meets the same fate. The little girl, terror-stricken by the awful scenes she has witnessed, is seized by the savages and carried off a prisoner. THE OATH! [DISCOVERY OF THE BODIES] In the next scene all that is left of the cabin is a smoldering ruin. A company of trappers come rapidly out of the forest and discover the bodies of the unfortunate man and woman. With bared heads, and in most impressive fashion they register an oath never to rest until they have wreaked vengeance on the Indian murderers and rescued the child. THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL [CROSSING THE MOUNTAIN]. A magnificent scene showing the savages leading their captive along a winding path on the mountain-side. The little girl sagaciously leaves a trail by tearing a bit from her dress. The trappers following shortly after discover the clue and press on in pursuit, encouraged by the knowledge that the girl is probably still living. VENGEANCE [RESCUE OF THE CHILD FROM THE INDIANS]. The Indians come to their evening camp by the side of a forest stream. After a drink of clear water, they tie the little girl to a tree and prepare for their night's rest. The trappers are close upon them however, and with a wild yell the white men hurl themselves upon the Indians. A terrific hand-to-hand combat ensues, and the Indians are slain remorselessly. The little girl is quickly released from her bonds and, as the picture ends, she is in the arms of one of the brave trappers who have rescued her. All of the scenes in this great production were made amidst the wildest and most beautiful scenery of the Adirondack Mountains, and the subject is one which will appeal strongly to all classes of people.
- The train is attacked by marauding Indians who are in turn repulsed by "Buffalo Bill" and a number of Scouts and Cowboys. While in camp, the boys indulge in a quadrille on horseback. Fine.
- Indians attack stage coach. One of the passengers is shot and falls off the coach into the dust. Indians follow, shooting and yelling. Cowboys to the rescue. Indians driven off in confusion.
- Unauthorized shot-for-shot remake by the Lubin Manufacturing Company of Edwin S. Porter's 1903 film of the same name. Two bandits break into a telegraph station to board and rob a train before being shot down in a standalone final.
- Shows a band of mischievous cowboys being chased by Indians. A number of shots are fired at the pursuing Indians by the cow punchers, and the Indians' arrows are seen landing in the water pretty close to the fleeing men.
- Taken at Bliss, Oklahoma. Shows a typical Western stage hold-up. A band of robbers are playing cards in the foreground of the picture. Suddenly one of the gang who has been on the lookout for the stage coach rides up in great haste. They quickly dodge behind a clump of trees and lay in wait. Soon the coach appears and is stopped by the bandits. The occupants are compelled to come down from their hiding places at the point of the gun and after being relieved of their valuables, are allowed to continue on their way. As soon as the stage drives off the robbers make for their ponies and take to the woods.
- A romance between a railroad engineer and the switchman's daughter is nearly ruined by train wreckers who knock out the girl and leave her on the tracks to be run over. The engineer perches on the engine's cow catcher and rescues the girl.
- In this parody of 1903's _Great Train Robbery, The (1903)_, also made by Edwin S. Porter, young bandits rob the passengers of a kiddie train and are chased by police officers.
- A group of bandits plan and execute a robbery of a stagecoach. They are chased down and all but two are killed. The two bandits fight over the gold and one kills the other. Can the last bandit escape?
- A cowboy gets involved in the kidnapping and rescue of a pretty young girl.
- A wife has a vision of her husband being killed. She finds the murderer and kills him.
- From the point of view of the front end of a train, a group of robbers on a handcar rob the train and murder one of its crew.
- The Pony Express Rider is one of the great figures in the history of the West. Before the advent of the railroads his duty was to carry the mails through the wilderness harassed on every side by Indians and Highwaymen. In this production the hero is entrusted with a packet of money to carry to a distant point. The hand of the ranchman's daughter is to be his reward for safe delivery. A band of Mexican vaqueros waylays him and the packet is stolen. The hero is saved by his faithful horse and rides back to give the alarm. The cowboys are aroused and a posse starts in pursuit. After a thrilling chase the villain is captured and money recovered and the hero triumphs.
- As a young couple are courting, they are rudely interrupted and split up. The man is seized and is turned over to a gang of toughs who want to hang him. Though she is greatly outnumbered, the young woman wastes no time in making a determined effort to rescue him.
- Outside typical Western hostelry-A group of cowboys and Mexicans are startled by sudden appearance of automobile (first they've ever seen) with a young " Easterner " and his bride as occupants-" Bad Bill " a notorious character appears-His horse shies at strange vehicle - Bill contemptuously glances at auto and offers to race his horse against machine-Wager is laid and exciting race ensues in which horse is bested-Back to the hotel-Wager is paid-Defeated man enters in bad humor-Attempts to shoot young bridegroom-Held up himself-Autoist agrees to fight "man fashion"-Easterner soundly thrashes "Bad Bill."
- Easterner goes west, where the cowboys make him the butt of jokes until the big poker game, where he wins both the money and the girl.
- The scene opens with a typical Indian camp, showing the chiefs tent, in front of which are several squaws preparing the savory repast for the tribe, round a fire arranged in the open space. One by one the squaws vanish inside the tent. A part of the tribe are seen leaving the camp, starting on an expedition to replenish their larder, leaving the young squaw, Dove Eye, in charge of the culinary department. There now appears upon the scene young Chief Eagle Feather, and he offers to Dove Eye the usual presents recognized by the Indian tribe to their prospective brides, displaying an elaborate blanket. She rejects the blanket and tells him to go; he departs from the scene with great reluctance. Shortly after the departure of Eagle Feather, another young chief, Young Bear, comes running down the slope. Standing in front of Dove Eye, in true Indian fashion he offers her his heart and hand, which is accepted by Dove Eye. Then being sure that his suit is accepted, he picks her up in his arms and carries her away from the camp. Just as they are vanishing in the woods they are observed by one of the tribe, who has been a spy upon their love-making and who immediately raises an alarm, which is answered from far and near. Learning the cause of the alarm, the whole tribe starts in pursuit of the pair, led by Eagle Feather, who overtakes them, and, being overpowered by numbers, they are brought back to the camp. On their return to the camp, Eagle Feather demands they hold a council at the fire. Acceeding to his request they now form a circle round the fire and the old chief stands in the center with a pipe; he then raises an invocation to the Great Spirit. He smokes the pipe and then passes it around to the rest of the circle, finally ending with Young Bear. A challenge that the hand of Dove Eye be given to the strongest and fleetest is made by Eagle Feather and is at once accepted by Young Bear. Young Bear beats Eagle Feather in the race and is just about to take Dove Eye, when Eagle Feather demands another trial of strength in a wrestling bout, at which Eagle Feather is again badly beaten. He is now disgraced and thrust from the camp, and Dove Eye is given to the successful lover, Young Bear. They start for a quiet spot for their wooing, where they are discovered by Eagle Feather, who, in his jealous rage, attacks Young Bear; a fight with knives ensues, at which several of the tribe try to separate the combatants, but are prevented by Dove Eye, who desires to see her lover win the duel. Young Bear finally overcomes Eagle Feather, and the tribe go back to their camp, leaving Young Bear and Dove Eye to enjoy in triumph and happiness their well-earned espousals.
- While the cowboys are entertaining themselves an Indian enters almost exhausted. He asks for a drink, which is gladly given. While the cowboys and girls enjoy themselves, Jack, the cowboy, and James, the greaser, step out-doors, apparently waiting for somebody. Two young ladies arrive on horseback, dismount, and together with the cowboys, enter the dance hall. Jack and James ask for the first dance. The beautiful cowboy queen seems to favor Jack. This incites the jealousy of James, the greaser, who draws his knife, as if to stab Jack. The cowboy queen interferes and proposes a horseback race between the two rival suitors for her hand. The race for the girl's hand is a very fast one. Jack, the cowboy is victorious, and is heartily received by the cowboy queen. All go inside, except James, the greaser, and his friend Jim, who conspire to kidnap the cowboy queen, which plan is carried out at once. They overpower the girl, place her on horseback and ride off. After a long, tedious ride, James, the greaser carries the exhausted girl into the thick of the bushes. Jim, his pal, rides ahead with both the horses, so as to mislead the pursuers. The absence of the cowboy queen is soon noticed. There is great excitement in camp. All start out to hunt for the missing girl. The Indian who just arrived on horseback jumps off his horse and trails after the fleeing criminals. The cowboys, guided by the Indian, have closed in on Jim. He is pursued and shot off his horse. After the Indian made sure that the greaser was dead he pursued the trail, which leads to the other villain's hiding place. As soon as James, the greaser, sees that his hiding place is discovered, he attacks the Indian, and a terrible fight ensues. At last James, the greaser, is killed, but not before the Indian received a deadly stab wound. The Indian helps the cowboy queen upon his horse and brings her triumphantly; back to camp, where he is thanked most heartily by the men and women. Exhausted by the great loss of blood from the wound received at the hands of James, the greaser, the Indian drops dead, painfully mourned by his beloved friends.
- As a result of a stagecoach hold-up and other crimes, Buck Brady has become known locally as the "King of Bandits". The sheriff posts a $1000 reward for Brady, dead or alive. Soon a full-scale effort is underway to capture the bandit king.
- The story of the Lost Mine is a pretty one, telling how a poor prospector was grub-staked by a tender-hearted girl, and after perilous adventures found a mine and won a bride.
- The parents of the young minister in their New England home are packing his trunk in readiness for his departure for the far West. Arriving at his destination, he is hailed with great merriment and derision by the denizens of the place. One half-drunken cow puncher seems to find delight in annoying him. While the parson is a man of peace he has not forgotten his athletic training in the seminary and in a moment of indignation gives his annoyer a well-directed punch in the jaw. He then proceeds to the interior of the hotel, where he applies for shelter, being followed by the man he struck. A young cavalryman engages in a game of faro with "Pike," the proprietor and. an all-around, gambler, and after repeated losses realizes that he has been cheated. In a few moments there is a flash of guns and the cavalryman sinks to the floor severely wounded. A lynching party is quickly organized, a rope is passed around the gambler's neck and he is dragged along by a cowboy on horseback. Arriving at a tall tree, the rope is thrown over a limb, and in another moment all would be over but for the arrival on the scene of the "Parson" and Pike's little daughter, who has led him there. It requires great persuasion to accomplish his release, and through the assistance of a friendly Indian he is given a horse and rides away with his child, while the "Parson" harangues the crowd, finally swaying them until they accompany him arm in arm from the scene. The next scene shows "Pike," who has been very near to death, in his rude cabin surrounded by wife and child. The "Parson" enters and finally succeeds in saving one who was very far from the fold. "Pike" bows his head in prayer and promises to lead a better life. The final scene shows how the right man in the right place may work wonders. The "Parson" has actually captured the entire outfit. "Pike" and his family enter. He is now a different man and promises to be a good citizen. The "Parson" is the real stuff, with them and all show their great affection for him in characteristic Western style.
- "Bud" O'Brien a big good-natured cow puncher and his "gal" cut for canter, Visit his old friend Chief "Lame Deer" a friendly Indian. After an exchange of presents and pleasant reminiscences, "Bud" departs with his "Gal." They are not gone long when a band of hostile Indians of which Deer is the chief, come upon the scene and berate him for not taking to the war path with them and unable to reason with them, he dons his war bonnet and shirt and goes with them. The next scene shows a company of U.S. Cavalry resting before a ranch and "Bud's" gal slyly giving a letter to a soldier to be delivered to "Bud" and serves the men with coffee. The colonel now gallops in and orders them to the saddle for a 20 mile ride where the Indians are stealing cattle and massacring the whites. On their ride they find "Bud" laying on the ground in delirium from an arrow in his side, sent there by the [Indians]. He is put in the saddle and they gallop off. The cavalry is seen encamped in a ravine-"Bud" is laying on the ground attended by the surgeons; the camp is attacked and after a fierce battle, the Indians are routed. "Chief Deer" Manages to sneak in and is about to brain "Bud" with a stone axe, when he recognizes him as his old friend and carries him out on his shoulder. After "Bud's" complete recovery, he marries the gal of his heart.
- When the real old-fashioned Bad Man of the West cuts loose there are likely to be some pretty sultry doings, and Tenderfeet and other unfortunate bystanders would do well to make for the tall timbers until the terror of the Bad Lands has been shot or disposed of in some equally satisfactory way. The saloon usually furnishes the motive which inspires the "doings" in cases of this kind. After filling himself up with devilment, he leaves the thirst parlor and starting up the street with a gun in each hand proceeds to shoot up the town in approved fashion. An Eastern Tenderfoot who has just struck the town is arranging a patent churn for exhibition on a prominent corner of the main street and does not understand the meaning of the fusillade that he hears coming down the street nor the sudden disappearance of everyone who is wise to the situation. To his cost he is soon to discover the cause, and our hilarious friend appearing around the corner compels him to dance to the music of his six-shooters without leaving breathing space or time for one false step. These comparatively innocent actions are soon to give way to tragedy of a deeper and darker hue, in which the Bad Man appears in his really sinister and vengeful character. Coming out of yet another saloon in which he has been taking more tanglefoot on board, he encounters the Town Marshal, who has been looking for him and places him under arrest, but, watching his chance, the villain suddenly shoots the officer of the law dead in his tracks, and realizing that this is a serious matter, escapes, leaving his victim lying in the main street of the little town. Partly sobered by the death of the Marshal, the murderer makes his way to the outskirts of the camp, where his broncho is standing, saddled and waiting for him, and mounting in hot haste spurs madly for the foothills, hoping to gain a safe hiding place there before the pursuit, which he knows will speedily follow, can overtake him. The dead Marshal's pretty daughter, a daisy of the foothills, has heard in the meantime that her father has gone out to corral the Bad Man, and as he does not return at the usual noon hour, becomes frightened and getting her horse goes out to look for him. She finds him at last in the street where he was left. Vengeance on the accursed murderer naturally takes full possession of her, and having first had her father's body reverently placed in shelter, she saddles her horse and riding as only a Western girl can ride calls her friends and neighbors to avenge the crime, and enlisting the assistance of the County Sheriff, the pursuit is on. With a good start, the murderer first fears no pursuit and thinks complacently of the near approaching hills affording numerous places for "hiding up" until all trouble is over. But the avengers of blood are well on his trail and closer than he would believe at all possible, realizing which terror lends speed to his Sight and occasionally firing behind to deter his pursuers he prepares for the race of his life. A rocky and precipitous trail presenting some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery that can be found in the foothill country gives an opportunity for a marvelously sensational and stirring chase; the riders are men who have practically lived in the saddle for years and to whom every trick of horsemanship is an open book. The most difficult and dangerous passes are negotiated with masterful ease and through all the girl herself, who inspired the chase, keeps well in the forefront and gives an exhibition of horsemanship which words cannot fairly portray. Nearer and nearer draw the pursuers and seeing that he must soon be overtaken, the villain resorts to strategy to cover his tracks and halting an approaching carriage filled with tourists and turning loose his own horse, compels the driver to proceed while he lies hidden under the seat. Almost at once they meet the sheriff's band of horsemen who stop the carriage, but are told that the man they are pursuing has gone on; and as soon as they are safely passed the murderer leaves the carriage and secretes himself in the underbrush at the roadside congratulating himself that all danger for him is now past. But one of the tourists is quick to see the opportunity and immediately jumps from the carriage and running back manages to attract the attention of the sheriffs party and indicate the fugitive's hiding place. Horses are abandoned to pursue the criminal over still more hazardous trails and a chase on foot begins once more. At length he is at bay. A single member of the company has finally cornered him and this time it is man to man, but again he makes his escape to leave behind him another blood-stained victim, although still pursued by the remainder of the sheriff's party still more enraged by the discovery of the dead body of their comrade on the trail. The Bad Man makes his last stand; availing himself of the shelter afforded by the deserted shepherd's hut on the side of the mountain, a desperate fight ensues in which the murderer finally gets his deserts and is shot through the heart The last scene showing the dead body tied securely across his horse's back and being taken down the mountain side for burial, while the poor girl follows with her companions having at least the satisfaction of knowing that she has brought her father's murderer to quick and adequate punishment for his crime. This picture is particularly interesting not only on account of its dramatic features, the exciting incidents, and the beautiful scenery in which the scene is laid, but the perfect photographic results which have been attained. The Moving Picture World, June 29, 1907
- A gang of outlaws are planning a bank robbery. After making preparations, they commit the robbery and make their escape amidst a sharp exchange of bullets. They return to their meeting place, and then hurriedly continue onwards, with lawmen close behind them.
- Alongside of a beautiful mountain stream in the foothills of Colorado there camped a Sioux Indian, who besides being a magnificent type of the aboriginal American, is a most noble creature, as kind-hearted as a woman and as brave as a lion. He eked his existence by fishing, hunting and mining, having a small claim which he clandestinely worked, hiding his gains in the trunk of an old tree. It is needless to say that he was beloved by those few who knew him, among whom was a little boy, who was his almost constant companion. One day he took the little fellow to his deposit vault, the tree trunk, and showed him the yellow nuggets he had dug from the earth, presenting him with a couple of them. In the camp there were a couple of low-down human coyotes, who would rather steal than work. They had long been anxious to find the hiding place of the Indian's wealth, so capture the boy, and by beating and torture compel him to disclose its whereabouts. In the meantime there has come to the place a couple of surveyors who enlist the services of the Indian to guide them to the hilltop. Here they arrive, set up their telescope and start calculations. An idea strikes them to allow the Indian to look through the 'scope. He is amazed at the view, so close does it bring the surrounding country to him. While his eye is at the glass one of the surveyors slowly turns it on the revolving head until the Indian starts back with an expression of horror, then looks again, and with a cry of anguish dashes madly away down the mountain side, for the view was enough to freeze the blood in his veins. Arriving at the old tree trunk, his view through the telescope is verified, for there is the result he improvised bank rifled, and the old grandfather of the little boy, who had followed the miscreants murdered. Picking the old man up he carries his lifeless form back to the camp, reaching there just after the murderers, with the boy, had decamped in a canoe. Laying the body on the sands and covering it tenderly with his shawl he stands over it and solemnly vows to be avenged. What a magnificent picture he strikes as he stands there, his tawny skin silhouetted against the sky, with muscles turgid and jaws set in grim determination. It is but for a moment he stands thus, yet the pose speaks volumes. Turning quickly, he leaps into a canoe at the bank and paddles swiftly after the fugitives. On, on goes the chase, the Indian gaining steadily on them, until at last abandoning hope, they leave their canoe and try to wade to shore as the Indian comes up. Leaping from his boat he makes for the pair, seizing one as the other swims to the opposite shore. Clutching him by the throat the Indian forces his head beneath the surface of the water and holds it there until life is extinct, after which he dashes in pursuit of the other. This proves to be a most exciting swimming race for a life. They reach the other shore almost simultaneously, and a ferocious conflict takes place on the sands terminating in the Indian forcing his adversary to slay himself with his own dagger. Having now fulfilled his vow he leaps into the water and swims back to the canoe in which sits the terrified boy, and as night falls he paddles slowly back to camp.
- In a saloon in a Mexican border town, a group of cowboys, including a Mexican named Pedro, play poker. One man is discovered cheating, and is shot dead by Pedro, who is wounded as he attempts to escape. Pedro is followed home by the local sheriff, who proves the next victim of Pedro's quick temper and pistol. Pedro's wife, Juanita, is thrown into jail, but he manages to break her out. They head for the border, unaware that a posse is waiting for them.
- A sheriff apprehends a bank robber and recovers the money. On the way back to town, the sheriff loses the recovered money in a crooked card game. The bank robber helps him recover it.
- A rich young Kentuckian flees West after killing a man in a poker-related duel. Posing as a miner, he visits a saloon, where he carelessly reveals the wad of cash he is carrying. This attracts the envious attention of Native American low-lives, who follow him outside, knife him, and flee with his money. In the nick of time, a Native American woman arrives on the scene who nurses the gravely wounded man back to health. They marry, have a son, and live blissfully for a few years. Then the man learns that his father has died, leaving him an estate. Realizing that he cannot introduce his wife into polite society back East, he vows to renounce his inheritance. The wife solves his problem by putting a bullet in her head.
- Lonesome Junction, though a howling wilderness, possessed one blessing, a train to somewhere else, but like all good things in this world, none are gained without a struggle. So the trains, of which there was but one a day, are never on time. To the station there comes a coterie of weary travelers, all possessed with a wild desire to put a long distance between Lonesome Junction and the backs of their necks. As usual, the train is six hours late, and you may imagine the party is in not a very amiable humor. The first to arrive is an Englishman, who is "jolly well" vexed at the condition of affairs. "Train six hours late! Hit's a blooming h'outrage, don't you know!" He leaves his suit case in the sway of others coming in, and a wealthy mine owner, who enters at that moment, falls sprawling. The next to enter is a prize-fighter, who in turn takes a tumble. Wow! It looks as if there is going to be "something doing," when the driver of the Pony Express enters with the mail bag, and tells Mr. Pug to sit down and behave. He sits and lights his pipe, still chewing the rag. The driver clips the pipe out of his mouth with a pistol shot and makes him dance to the music of his gun play. This holds Mr. Pug for an indefinite period. The party is now increased by the arrival of Heinrich Spitzelperger. "Vas ist das; sex stunden zu warten ? Oh, vell, I haf a smoke." Heine has pipe and tobacco, but no match. "Please, you haf a match, no?" Well, it looks as if he don't smoke. At this point the door opens and in rushes one of those hypochondriacal phisanthropists, a Black Hand Dago. A hyena is a playful kitten compared with him. Opening his satchel, he takes out a large bomb, lights the fuse and places it on the window shelf of the ticket office. The pugilist is the first to notice his action and yells, "Beat it!" which they surely do, all except Heine, who is seated on a bench still searching through his pockets in hopes of finding a match hidden therein. Espying the smoking fuse of the bomb, he picks it up, ignorant of the danger, lights his pipe and failing to extinguish it, drops it into a fire pail none too soon, for the moment it strikes the water it explodes, blowing Heine off his feet. When the party returns they find him suffering no further injury than badly shattered nerves. While relating his experience there enters a most beautiful young lady. "Observe who is in our midst," says one, and a more chivalrous bunch you never saw; all anxious to serve her. She states that her baggage is outside, so Mr. Pug insists that "I'm de boy wit de strong arm." He carries in several grips and finally a trunk as big as a cottage, which completely does him up, and though there is still another trunk, he is not equal to it. Now Heine gives an exhibition of brain vs. brawn, and instead of shouldering the trunk, wheels it in on a hand truck, much to the amusement of the party at the expense of the pugilist. They are all now in high spirits when there appears in the doorway a tough road agent With most forbidding mien he points a revolver and commands them to line up and put their valuables on the floor in front of him. Heine, unobserved by the bad man, drops down behind the trunk and when the thug's back is turned, sticks a gun behind his ear and tells him to drop his firearm on the top of the trunk. Hurrah for Heine, the hero! But he forgets the thug may have another gun, and in the unguarded moment he whips out another and is about to push daylight through Dutchy when the express driver from outside sends a bullet through the bad boy's wrist. The arrival of the belated train is announced, and the party scramble out of the station, in a mad rush to get aboard.
- Bill Preston, a heartless road about too despicable to associate with white men, had gathered about him a little band of low-down redskins whom he ruled by extreme despotism. At any rate, they all feared him, as he, with them, terrorized the whole country 'round by acts of pillage, arson, and worse. Despite his black nature, Bill was a handsome fellow who, under different conditions, might be called attractive. There is reason why Nellie Carson, a girl of the frontier, should fall violently in love with him and cast her lot with his. She soon finds out his true nature, but even then she seems to be held by an irresistible power. He tries to cast her off, leaving her lying wounded and insensible in the road after a stormy scene between them. She is discovered by a girl of the mountains who offers to help her to her mountain home. Though moved by the girl's kindness, she rejects her offer, choosing to go her own way on the road of life she has chosen. The mountain girl drives off and is waylaid by Bill, who seizes her and drags her to his camp. Nellie, coming along later, discovers evidence of what has taken place, and with a feeling of pity for the girl, and jealousy of Bill, resolves to save her. She arrives at camp at nightfall and manages to release the girl and get away, but unfortunately her revolver drops to the ground, and exploding, awakens the gang. The girl's plight looks bad, and would have been disastrous had not one of the Indians, who had always shown a weakness for Nellie, handicapped Bill. This enabled the girls, who mounted the one horse, to get a lead. However, Bill and his red devils are fast gaining on them, and several of his bullets have taken effect in poor Nellie's body, who has sacrificially placed herself between the mountain girl and Bill. The girl's apprehension seems inevitable, when the Indian rides up, and Bill, with a dagger wound in the breast, falls from his horse, thereby closing his contemptible career. This in a measure demoralizes the gang, and the girls reach the mountaineer's cabin, but Nellie is mortally wounded and expires as she is taken from the horse, the good Indian driving up just in time to claim her body that he might bury it. This subject is an exceptionally thrilling one, with photography of the highest order, and many of the scenes tinted.
- Prelude: Sir John Lubbock says "Life's a Game" like the game of cards, fate deals each hand, daily, face down. In life, "It is not always in holding a good hand but in playing a bad band well." Our hero starts handicapped with poverty, pride and ambition. The Game of Cards: Hero at swell reception, home of woman he loves. Catches rival cheating at cards. Exposes him. Incurs host's censure. Father takes rival's part; orders hero from house. Forbids heroine to see him again. Planning an Elopement: Hero plays a "hand." Meets heroine. Urges speedy marriage. They agree to elope. Overheard by rival. Part to prepare. The Villain's "Hand:" Rival plots with "Crimps" the sailor. Hero to be "shanghaied" to Africa and turned adrift. The bargain sealed. "Clubs are Played:" Hero leaves home to meet heroine. Waylaid by "Crimps." The attack. Valiant defense. Numbers count. Overpowered, taken to boat. The Heroine Waits: At the rendezvous heroine becomes nervous, alarmed, conflicting emotions. Misjudges hero. Believes deserted. Rival wins again. Escorts heroine home. "Shanghaied:" "Crimps" forces hero into boat. Taken to ship. Rough treatment resented. Hero beaten. Forced to work. Carried to sea. In South Africa: Off the coast. The favorable moment. Hero leaves ship, swims ashore. Reaches mining camp, receives assistance. Miners give an outfit. Starts for gold fields. "Spades are Trumps:" Hero reaches gold fields. Prospects, stakes claim, strikes it rich. Determines to return home. "Diamonds are Led:" Home of heroine. No news. Heroine sad. Still true. Rival continues to plot. Presses suit. Gains parents' favor. Presents heroine diamond necklace. Heroine in despair. Abandons hope. Agrees to marry rival. "Hearts are Trumps:" The wedding day. Rival triumphant. Guests arrive. Heroine downcast. Bans are called. Hero appears on time. Stops wedding, exposes rival. Rival turned out. Father welcomes hero. Happy reunion. "All's Well that Ends Well."
- In a small frontier town there lived a couple that fate had thrown together as man and wife, but whose natures were so foreign to each other that no happiness could come of their union. Luke Hodges was known far and near as the most habitual drunkard in the community, and much sympathy was expressed for his pretty, young wife, Sallie. On a cattle ranch nearby lived an old admirer of Sallie's, Jack Turner. A misunderstanding had parted them in their youth, but Jack had never ceased to care for the little girl whom he had once called his sweetheart, and when reports of her unhappiness reached his ears, the pity in his heart rekindled into love, and he determined, if possible, to persuade her to divorce the drunkard that had wrecked her life and place her destiny in his hands. The opening scene shows Sallie slaving at the washtub, wasting her strength in the endeavor to earn enough to keep body and soul together. Her drunken husband is within the little shack, sleeping off his debauch of the night before. The gate swings open, and in, rides Jack Turner. The sight of Sallie's abject poverty and miserable surroundings fires him with rage, but he controls the impulse to speak of what is in his heart, and asking for a drink of water, which she gives him, he rides away. Sallie gazes wistfully after him and is not aware that her husband has awakened and is watching her with jealous eyes. Bidding her go in the house, and telling her that he will kill Jack Turner if he ever sees him near his house again, he staggers off to the grog shop to resume his drunken orgy. In the meantime Jack has decided on his course, and writing a letter to Sallie, asks her to take the step that will free her from such a life and become his wife. Sallie is reading the letter when Luke comes upon her, and tearing it from her hands, soon learns its contents. He then for the first time realizes what he has lost and sinks sobbing to the ground. Sallie sadly enters the house and leaves him alone in his misery. We next see him groping his way over the huge boulders of a rocky canyon, he is making his way to the river. He at last arrives at a spot where a great waterfall plunges over a lofty cliff, and as the maddened whirlpool sweeps on its way down the rugged chasm, a cunning idea has entered his inebriated mind. He will feign suicide and then leave the country, allow Jack to marry Sallie, and when they are happy and contented, return and then force his rival to keep him supplied with money to hold his peace. Removing his hat and coat, and writing a farewell message on the back of an old envelope, he leaves the evidences of his suicide and disappears. His continued absence soon alarms Sallie and she asks her neighbors to search for him. A party is soon organized, and at last the coat, hat and letter are found. Thinking that the body has been carried miles away by the rushing waters, no effort is made to recover it, and the town of Marshall settles back to peace and quiet. A year has passed and we see a merry wedding party on its way to the church. Jack has at last accomplished his cherished hope and is leading his blushing sweetheart Sallie to the altar. We are next shown the happy couple leaving for a new country. A typical prairie schooner is loaded with provisions, and, accompanied by two ranchmen, Jack and Sallie drive away. But more trouble is yet to come to our young couple. Luke has returned to blast their dreams of happiness. He sees them drive away and follows on foot for miles. The men had the horses to water while Sallie busies herself preparing supper. A dark shadow suddenly appears from behind the wagon. With a start Sallie raises her eyes and with a horror that strikes her speechless she gazes into the bloated features of Luke, her detested husband. With a low moan she sinks fainting to the ground. At the sight of her the old passion arises in his breast and an insane desire to again possess her overmasters his better judgment. Calling to his friend to lift her up, they carry her away and up the mountain side. She recovers and makes a desperate fight for liberty, but to no avail. To the edge of a cliff they are bearing her. When Jack, returning to the camp, finds her gone, and hearing her cries for help, calls his men and with rides in their hands, dash madly up the mountain. On the edge of the precipice the maddened inebriate is struggling with the terror-stricken woman, when, with the strength born of desperation, she pushes him from her, and, losing his footing, the unfortunate wretch pitches headlong into the yawning chasm. A shot rings out and the other rogue falls wounded at his feet. Looking up, she sees her rescuers running rapidly toward her and she is soon clasped in the protecting arms of her husband.
- The story is woven about an old cattle raiser, John Ralston, whose annoyance at the depredations on his stock by a hand of rustlers leads him to offer a reward for their capture. The opening scene of the picture occurs in front of a "thirst parlor" in a small Western town, where Ralston is distributing handbills to a crowd of cowpunchers and loungers, offering the reward above mentioned. Cherokee, a half-breed and leader of the very band of rustlers wanted, happens to be present, and after reading one of the bills he mounts his thoroughbred and rides rapidly away. We are then taken to the camp of his followers, where to the great amusement of the dare-devil band he reads the offer of reward made by Ralston. So reckless arc these men, that instead of paying heed to the warning, they determine to make another raid the next morning. Cherokee leaves his companions, instructing them to procure as much rest as possible for there is much work cut for them, and is next seen riding out to a little log cabin, the home of his Indian sweetheart Wahnita. It is here he keeps his branding irons with which he changes the brands on the cattle he steals. Telling Wahnita that he has work to do and cannot tarry long, he bids her an affectionate adieu and rides away to join his men. In the meantime Ralston's offer of reward has roused the cattlemen and cowboys of the entire valley, and preparations are at once begun to hunt down the much hated cattle rustlers. Cherokee, rousing his followers the next morning, is out on his nefarious undertaking. They soon come upon a herd of fine cattle browsing at the edge of the pines, and surrounding them, they soon have them rounded up in an old abandoned corral in a secluded spot in the forest. Where, confident of their safety from discovery, they begin to brand the calves found in the herd. While they are busily engaged in this work, a ranch woman on her way through the forest to the nearest settlement rides up to the rear of the old corral, unseen by the rustlers, and taking in at a glance the unlawful work going on, she gallops rapidly away to spread the alarm. At the first habitation she comes to she sends for girl who responds to her call to arouse the boys of the Ralston ranch. Like a winged messenger the girl springs lightly to the back of a broncho and is off like the wind. Dashing to the cowboys' camp she spreads the news, and with a yell of exultation fifty whirlwind riders spring to their horses, and following the girl are soon lost to view on the crest of a distant rise. Again we see the rustlers, who are still at their branding, when they are suddenly arrested in their tracks by the distant pounding of a hundred pairs of hoofs. Knowing full well the meaning of that sound, without further delay they mount their saddled horses and plunge at once into the forest, with the hope of eluding their relentless pursuers, but they are too late; the leader of the cowboys sees their retreating forms, and with fierce energy the chase begins. Now follows a thrilling ride for life. Feeling that their only hope is to abandon their jaded horses and take to the depths of the forest on foot, the wily Cherokee orders his men to dismount and try to demoralize their pursuers by sending a volley into their midst as they come around a bend in the road. The plan is carried out, but the cowboys are determined, and dismounting, take up the chase on foot, which, after a short fight, ends in the capture of the rustlers, but not Cherokee, who. by strategy, escapes. The victorious cowboys then ride to the former camp of the rustlers and there capture the Mexican cook, who is frightened into revealing the possible hiding place of his leader. The hunt is then resumed and ends at the home of Wahinita, where Cherokee has taken shelter. Here he is finally captured, but not without a desperate fight, in which he is badly wounded. The prisoners are all taken to the Ralston ranch and an impromptu court formed, by which trial the rustlers arc sentenced to pay the penalty usually meted out to cattle thieves. But through the pleadings of Wahnita, and because of his wounds, Cherokee is given a day's respite and is locked up in a log house on the ranch under guard, with the Mexican cook as his only companion. During the night his wounds, which are many, prove fatal, and he dies in the arms of his comrade. When the cowboys come next morning to get him they find that a merciful Providence has intervened, and and the leader of the rustlers has already paid the penalty. Left alone with the body of her outlaw lover, poor Wahnita, the faithful Indian sweetheart, bewails her loss.
- It opens with a scene in the Squawman's hut near the mountains. The Squawman signs a contract to sell his beautiful daughter to a villainous desperado, heedless of the remonstrant Indian mother. The daughter enters and the villain attempts to seize her, but the Indian woman interferes and tells her daughter of the base transaction. The girl hurriedly sends a note to, tell her cowboy sweetheart. He meets her by appointment, but is trailed by the scoundrel who would buy the girl. The girl and cowboy go to her home and rebuke the father. The villain rushes in and they encounter he and the father in a desperate struggle. The girl proves a heroine in assisting her sweetheart. They conquer their enemies and force them to depart. Later they return with the sheriff and take the cowboy by surprise while he is being entertained by the girl and friendly Indian woman. Her sweetheart is bound and driven away, but the girl escapes to the cowboy camp and tells the news. Cowboys led by the girl go to the rescue and capture the villains after a thrilling chase. Every moment is of intense excitement, even to the capture of the last man, who is lassoed by one of the cowboys after both men had exhausted their ammunition. One year later, this section includes a baby in a most happy scene.
- A cowboy challenges a magician to catch a bullet in his teeth. Things go awry and the cowboy winds up in jail.
- Jack Morgan was a handsome fellow, but an outlaw, and although he worked in a most fearless, daring fashion, he successfully thwarted all attempts at this apprehension. Hence it was that the mere mention of his name sent terror to the hearts of the stage drivers of the mountains. Many were the wonderful tales told at the relay inns along the stage route that made the tourists shudder with fear as they resumed their course westward. Dick Stanley was one of the nerviest drivers on the stage line and had, as yet, escaped molestation from Jack, Dick was deeply in love with Mollie, the innkeeper's daughter, but, as our story opens, they quarrel and fall out. At this moment along rides Jack, who, of course, is unknown to Mollie. He asks for a drink from the well beside which the girl stands. The bright, cheerful countenance of Mollie makes a decided impression upon Jack, and it is needless to say that the handsome young bandit, well, it is a case of love at first sight. Jack drives off, and Dick, who has watched the proceedings from a distance, approaches to acquaint her of Jack's real being. She takes no heed of Dick, but is still gazing fondly at the fast fading vision of Jack so Dick mounts his stage box and is off. The stage arrives at a lonesome turn in the road when Jack jumps from the brush and, covering Dick with his gun, orders him to dismount, the passengers to get out and give up their valuables, placing them in a handkerchief, which he makes Dick spread on the ground. Having trimmed them, he orders them back into the coach and Dick to drive off. Then he gathers up and makes off with the booty. Dick drives around back to the inn, gives the alarm, and a posse of mounted cowboys start out after the outlaw. Jack, driven by the pursuing party to the top of a precipitous cliff, deserting his horse, climbs, or rather tumbles, down over the rocks, badly cutting and bruising himself as he goes. Reaching the bottom, he runs through the woods and comes upon Mollie who hides him in the well just in time to elude the pursuers who drive up. She sends them off in the wrong direction, and, when they have gone, assists Jack out of the well, binds up his wounded head with a strip of linen torn from her skirt and gives him her horse, on which he escapes. The cowboys soon find they are on the wrong scent and return just in time to see Jack galloping like mad down the open trail. Here follows a most exciting chase, showing some marvelous horsemanship. Jack has distanced them, but his horse runs lame, and he makes a heroic dash on foot towards a barn. Failing to open the lower doors, he climbs up on a rope to the second story, pulls up the rope and closes the door. The posse now arrives, and a fusillade of bullets is sent at the door, which Jack retaliates, laying out a couple of the party. They at length set fire to the barn, and Jack is forced out through the back, and, as he leaps, a well-directed bullet from Dick's gun sends him reeling to the ground, just as Mollie, who has followed the chase on horseback, dashes up, dismounts and takes Jack's head in her arms only to find him dead.
- A gang of expert bank thieves conceived the idea of robbing a bank located in a suburban town. One of the number, a venerable, plausible old rascal, in company with a girl, presumably his daughter, opened an account and rented a deposit box in the bank vault. The last action gave them a good opportunity to study the location of the treasure. A German member of the gang rents an empty store next door and apparently does business as a cobbler. The rest come separately to his shop and wait for instructions. "Old Doc" shows a plan where by tunneling through the cellar the vault may be reached. A convenient time comes when the plan is put into execution. An immense sum is acquired; a burglar alarm has been overlooked and the robbery is discovered. A posse is organized and follows. Terrific riding and shooting brings them to the side of a precipice. With the desperation of the hunted animal, they descend the frightful chasm. Fresh horses are procured. The posse again gets on the trail, driving the thieves before them, who jump into the river. The sheriff and posse finally corral them in their retreat. After a shooting battle the thieves are placed in irons and the money is recovered.
- In western Montana a rugged cowboy name Jack is enamored of the daughter of his employer and one day, during the breaking of some mustangs, receives a broken arm. A Mexican rascal, who also secretly admires the girl, comes in and tries to force his attentions on her, but is repulsed by her father. He secretes himself for a moment and treacherously stabs Jack in the back. The girl now saddles her horse and gallops off to apprise the cowboys of the crime, and meeting them at their camp they instantly start to overhaul the "greaser." During a terrible thunderstorm the Mexican has meantime reached the house; with a fiendish impulse he climbs inside to finish the cowboy with a knife stroke, but is frustrated by the will of Jehovah, whose lightning bolts strike him dead in his villainy.
- In a frontier bar-room men are lounging about, playing cards and drinking, when two gamblers enter, go to the bar and order drinks, While they are drinking an Indian enters, also orders a drink, and in paying for same displays a roll of bills which the gamblers see and immediately covet. After a whispered conversation they pass to one of the tables and begin a game of cards, inviting the Indian to join them. He agrees. The game proceeds. One wins and then the other. One of the sharps starts a dispute and restrains the Indian from taking the money which is his by right. The Indian insists. The gambler draws a knife, rushes at him, when the Indian, in self-defense, fires his gun and kills the gambler. He then calmly gathers the money and is about to leave when the sheriff enters, notices the general disturbance, ascertains the cause and arrests the Indian. The trial takes place in a frontier cabin, the evidence is submitted and the jury renders a verdict of guilty. The prisoner is about to be led away when another one of his race, who has witnessed the trouble, comes forward and offers himself as substitute prisoner until the time set for the execution, (This custom prevailed in the time of the early West, and the convicted man was given temporary freedom, his substitute agreeing to forfeit his life in case the condemned man failed to report in time.) In the cabin used as a jail the convicted Indian is finishing a meal as his friend enters and signifies his readiness to take the place of the prisoner. The men clasp hands. The sheriff releases the condemned man, who returns to his old haunts for just one more spree before his death. He visits the saloon, the scene of his trouble, imbibes freely and falls asleep at a table. The surviving gambler of our opening scene comes in, sees the drunken man, and as the bartender turns aside, steals the Indian's money and goes away unmolested. The bartender returns, rouses the sleeper, who finds his money gone and no means of returning to the jail, a place he must reach by sundown. The saloonkeeper refuses him a loan, as do various other persons to whom he appeals for aid. Every resource failing, the journey must be made on foot. At the jail, as the time draws near for the execution, the sheriff grows impatient. The substitute is indifferent and has confidence in his friend. Finally several men, presumably minor officials, enter. The sheriff tells the Indian the time is up. Still show indifference, the prisoner accompanies his executioners to a tree where an improvised gallows has been made ready. Meanwhile the real prisoner is with difficulty making his way over the country roads, through swamps and underbrushes, until he comes in sight of his friend being prepared to pay the penalty of his crime. He waves his hands frantically, shouts, and staggers forward. He reaches the officials, pushes aside his friend and tries to take his place, but falls exhausted to the ground. An examination reveals the fact that he is dead. The substitute Indian is freed, and as he walks away he tenderly covers the form of his friend.
- In a room of the modest home of a western ranchman, the owner, a middle-aged man, is seated smoking. His daughter, Beth, young, pretty, simply but becomingly dressed, is sewing. The girl finishes her work, takes her sunbonnet and a book and goes out. A few minutes later a man enters hurriedly and speaks to her father. The ranchman makes hasty preparations for a journey, leaves a note for his daughter and departs. The young girl has found a quiet spot and is intently reading when a man typically western in appearance, big, young and handsome, comes upon her. He greets her pleasantly, while she is rather shy and distant. The young man tells of his love and asks the girl to marry him. She refuses, gets up and starts for home. In spite of her protest, the young man escorts her. Arriving at her home, the girl finds the note left by her father. She looks startled when realizing that she is alone. Her companion, we will call him Jim, again urges his suit and once more is refused. Upon request he leaves the house. When alone, the girl bars the doors and windows, lights a lamp, eats something, then prepares to retire. She starts suddenly upon hearing a noise, but thinks it her imagination; again the noise, this time there is no mistaking the fact that someone is breaking in the door. Before she can draw a gun the door flies open, a masked man enters, gags her, carries her out, mounts his horse and rides off. They finally come to his shack, a little more pretentious than the girl's home. She is carried in. the gag removed and seated in a chair. Her abductor removes his mask: it is Jim. The girl is furiously angry and demands to be let go. Jim smiles in a tantalizing way, lights his pipe, points to the bedroom and bids her to retire. She looks terribly frightened, falls on her knees and begs to be released. Jim takes her to the room and shows her the lock. She goes inside, fastens the door, throws herself on the bed and sleeps, while Jim rolls himself in a blanket outside the door. He is the first to awake next morning, calls the girl and bids her prepare breakfast. She indignantly refuses at first, but finally cooks the meal and both sit down to eat. Jim then goes out, locking the door after him. A little later the girl is horrified to see a villainous looking man climbing in at the window. He is just about to embrace her when Jim rushes in and knocks the intruder down. This act has softened the girl a bit and she offers to mend Jim's coat which she notices is torn. Leaving the strange couple we return to the girl's father. The ranchman returns from his journey, misses his child, sees evidence of a struggle, summons several other ranchmen and starts in search of her. At Jim's shack he is smoking, his companion sewing, as the searching party enters. All are armed, one carries a rope and Jim is informed that he is to be hung. At this critical moment the girl rushes into Jim's arms and tells that they are to be married. The father is surprised at first, then grasps Jim's hands eagerly and suggests an immediate marriage. The party mount, ride off to a minister's hut, where Jim and Beth are made one.
- Black Hawk is a head chief of the Sioux. He has promised his only daughter to Young Eagle, a sub-chief of the nation, but Red Cloud, the gambler, arrives on the scene and starts a game of bowls. Old Black Hawk loses heavily and finally in an effort to recoup he wagers his daughter. Red Cloud again wins, but when he demands the girl, the old chief refuses to pay the wager and Red Cloud kills him. We then show the peculiar ceremony of the Indian burial, introducing the Medicine Man with his grotesque mask. A council is held and Young Eagle is chosen to avenge the death of the old chief. Young Eagle sets out on the war path and after an exciting chase, overtakes Red Cloud and kills him in a hand-to-hand fight. Young Eagle is then proclaimed head chief and wins his bride.
- Love's Young Dream. Tom and Mary on the eve of parting cutting two hearts in the bark of an old beech tree. The lovers' vow. Westward Ho! Start for the West in search of gold. Parting of the lovers. Tom remains East. Mary goes West with the family. Leaving the old homestead. The last kiss. On the trail in a "Prairie Schooner" for the Golden West. On the Plains. A lone hunter. A friendly greeting in the forest. Fording a river. A night camp. Indians. An interrupted meal. A creeping foe. A shot that missed. A hurried departure. An overturned "Prairie Schooner." Tragedy of the Plains. Over the rolling prairies. Pursued by Indians. Dangerous moments. Overtaken. The fight behind the Wagon. The last stand. The massacre. Mary captured by Indians. The old grandfather left for dead. He revives and crawls across the plains to Hunter's Camp. The Old Homestead. No news from the West. Tom calls for tidings of Mary. The old grandfather returns sad news. Tom learns Mary's fate. Tom's vow. Love leads the way. Searching for his sweetheart. A clue from a miner. The Indian camp. Attempted rescue. Capture of Tom. Tied to a wild horse and turned loose. The Wild Ride. Mary's escape. On horseback to rescue Tom. The chase over the plains. Reaches her lover. Cuts his bonds. Lifts him on her horse. In the nick of time. Re-united.
- Edith Warren, a young school teacher from the East, takes upon herself the task of beginning the education of about sixty young and lusty inhabitants that form the juvenile population of a thinly-settled district of Montana. Being an accomplished horsewoman and readily acquiring the knowledge of handling a "Colts 44," she soon becomes the center of attraction for many of the cowboys on the big range. Two in particular, Jack Carlton and "Fresno" Dolan, are determined, if perseverance can win, to "rope" the little schoolmarm and "break her to double harness." The opening scene of the story depicts the interior of the little roadside schoolhouse where Miss Warren is just opening the morning exercise by singing the National anthem. When school is dismissed, Jack and "Fresno" both insist on seeing the schoolmarm home. That clever young lady settles the dispute by declaring that she would honor both by an equal share of her company back to the ranch. Jack accepts the small favors shown him by his charmer, hut not so the surly and quarrelsome "Fresno." At last a climax between the two men is reached when "Fresno" makes an insulting reference to Miss Warren in his rival's presence and is soundly thrashed by that indignant young suitor. Realizing that his fondest hopes can never be gratified, "Fresno" seeks to drown his disappointment in drink and carousing. One day while Edith and Jack were galloping towards the school on their wiry little bronchos, "Fresno" riding by sees them and is maddened by the sight of their apparent happiness. But one thought is uppermost in his burning brain; why not waylay the couple and by a well-directed shot remove the hated rival forever from his path: Around the bend sweep the two lovers, their horses racing neck and neck. A shot rings out, and Jack's horse crashes to the ground with a broken leg. "Fresno's" aim was uncertain and his bullet missed the mark. Not waiting to see the result of the shot the coward takes to his heels, now thoroughly frightened at his own deed. But the agile Jack does not intend to let the assassin escape. Disentangling himself from his fallen horse, he quickly starts in pursuit of his fleeing enemy. Through the creek bottom they race, when "Fresno" suddenly darts behind a tree, and before his pursuer has had time to overtake him he sends another shot at his enemy, this time reaching the mark. Jack falls, badly wounded, and for a time is unable to move. "Fresno" soon recovers his horse and we next see him in the nearest saloon trying to steady his nerves by imbibing glass after glass of bad whiskey. We now return to the school teacher, who stands beside the wounded horse in the road awaiting Jack's return. An hour passes and yet no sign of her lover. At length, becoming alarmed at his long absence, she mounts her horse and leading the limping mare she starts off to try and find Jack. A long search is at last rewarded by finding him near the bank of the river, where he had dragged himself in the hope of attracting someone's attention. Summoning all her strength, the brave little teacher assists the wounded man to her horse, and climbing up behind him succeeds in getting him back to the ranch. Justice works swift in that part of the country, and "Fresno" soon pays the penalty of his cowardly act. Jack's recovery is at last an assured fact. Cheered by his loyal comrades and tenderly nursed by the girl of his heart, we leave our cowboy hero supremely happy in the blissful consciousness of having fairly won for his life partner "The Montana Schoolmarm."
- What marvelous influence a pretty girl has over mankind, what a power she exerts, transforming the rough and ferocious into lamb-like beings and the weaklings into lions of daring. Such was the power of pretty Roulette Sue, the belle of the mining camp. Phil Bowen and Sam Lewis were a couple of fearless road agents, and our story starts with them waylaying the overland stage coach, commanding the driver and his passengers to alight and "shell out." The passengers comprise a Chinaman, a tenderfoot and Roulette Sue. The tenderfoot is frightened out of his wits, while the Chink trembles so as to almost dislocate his queue, but Sue stands and views the episode with an indifferent air, while Sam covers the little coterie with his guns Phil divests them of their valuables. Sue has a brace of pistols in her belt which Phil takes, extracting the cartridges, hands them back to her empty and harmless. Her defiant mien makes a decided impression on him, as, on the other hand, he has, by his easy, gallant manner, impressed her; besides, a part of his features, which are unconcealed by the mask, gives promise that he is a handsome fellow. Well, it is surely a case of love at first sight. The deed done, Phil orders the coach to proceed on its way, while he and Sam go to their shack to divide the spoils. The coach, arriving at the camp, an alarm is given. and a party of miners start out for the bandits. Sue, who is in deepest sympathy with the handsome young outlaw, starts off at the same time, and, by a short cut, arrives at the shack and warns Phil and Sam of their impending danger. Sam, who has also shown a weakness for Sue, tries to kiss her, but is not only repulsed by her, but knocked down by Phil for the insult. Thus does she transform two staunch friends into bitter enemies. Still, there is no time to parley, as their necks are in danger, so they do a quick get-away. Several days later Sam appears at the tavern and renews his attentions to Sue. Again Phil, who enters at that moment, protects her, and Sam through jealousy denounces him before the crowd. Guns are drawn, and it looked for an instant as if Phil would be punctured in many places, but quick as a flash, he picks up a child from the road, holds it up in front of him, backs off out of harm's way and makes good his escape. Sam now figures the coast is clear and awaits his opportunity. But love knows no danger, has no fear, and hence. Phil returns to see Sue, although it is most hazardous. Phil and Sue are alone in the tavern when the approach of someone forces him to hide behind a curtain. It is Sam who enters and, with violent persistence, forces his odious attentions upon Sue. Things are becoming alarming, when a shot from behind the curtain lays Sam out. Sam, thinking the shot came from Sue's gun, raises himself on his elbow and sends a leaden dart through her which closes the blinds of her mortal existence forever. He is recognized, gives himself up for the usual punishment meted out for those of his kind.
- An American trapper and an Indian maid are lovers. His rival is a Mexican who brings presents to the Indian Chief and thus gains his consent to marry his daughter. A horse race decides the fate of the girl. The Mexican wins, takes his bride, but her heart remains with the American boy. Years have passed. The American youth has joined the Indians. They make him chief. The Mexican has become a gambler and drunkard and maltreats his Indian wife. The "White Chief" hears of this. He takes his tribe on the warpath to rescue the Indian Princess and punish the brute. During the fight the Mexican gets killed after he tried to kill his only child. The "White Chief" becomes united with his love.
- Departure of the Stage-Coach: The schoolmarm from the East arrives at a Western town. Is gallantly assisted to the waiting stage-coach by a cowboy. The Hold-Up: The cowboy overhears a plot to rob the coach. The stage held up. Passengers compelled to give up their valuables. The schoolmarm held for ransom. The rescue. The cowboy meets the stage-coach. Informed of the hold-up and abduction of the girl. He dashes on after the escaping robbers. Finds the schoolmarm's gloves on the road. The Robbers Quarrel: They dispute over the possession of the girl. Shake dice for her. The cowboy discovers them. Warns the girl. Mounts his horse and at full speed picks up the teacher. Is off before the astonished gamblers can stop him. He reaches the stage-coach and puts the schoolmarm aboard. The School-House: Children at play. The preacher seeks the hand of the schoolmistress. His rival, the cowboy, appears. Presses his suit. Discomfiture of the minister. Cowboy and schoolmarm go out riding. The cowboy again seeks her hand with no better result. The Schoolmarm's Home: The preacher calls. Declares his admiration for her. Interrupted by shots outside of the house. It proves to be a drunken cowboy. The minister dresses as an Indian to frighten him away. The cowboy bursts in the door and discharges more shots. Makes the frightened minister smoke cigarettes and drink liquor. He then discovers he is a parson. He forces the minister to marry him to the schoolmarm. The ceremony. The cowboy discards his disguise. Is recognized. The girl rushes to his arms and the parson faints.
- A tale of the seekers of '49. The story opens in the cabin of a Kentucky mountaineer. The mother and little daughter come from the house and scan the road for the husband's return. He soon comes in sight, reaches the house and all three enter and partake of their evening meal. The husband takes from his pocket a newspaper which tells in glowing terms of the discovery of rich veins of gold in California. The item makes a strong impression on the mountaineer, and after discussing the project with his wife they decide to try their fortunes in the new land. Preparations are quickly made, the little family bids farewell to their happy home and starts on their long journey. The last stop before crossing the Arizona desert is made, a stock of preparations and water laid in and the journey across the desert begins. Here their hardships commence. The water tank springs a leak and the water is soon lost, one of the horses drops dead, the other is unhitched, the woman and child put on its back, while the man buckles some provisions on his back and walks beside them. The remaining horse soon becomes exhausted and dies, and the three are compelled to continue on foot. Shortly afterward the wife succumbs and dies. Alter caring for the body, the husband and his little girl resume the journey. But a short time elapses before the father staggers and falls. As he breathes his last two Indians come upon the scene, take the little child, who is unconscious, into their arms, and after reviving her, ride away. They reach a mining camp, proceed to the sheriff's office, tell their story and leave the orphan in his care. Fifteen years later a wedding in the town church is taking place. The orphan, now grown to womanhood, is marrying a young miner. An old feeble Indian enters the church, and the girl's attention is attracted as the men strive to throw him out. She rushes over, recognizes in him her savior of years gone by and warmly welcomes him. After relating the story to the guests the bridegroom and the Indian depart amid cheers.
- An Indian village is forced to leave its land by white settlers, and must make a long and weary journey to find a new home. The settlers make one young Indian woman stay behind. This woman is thus separated from her sweetheart, whose elderly father needs his help on the journey ahead.
- The story revolves itself around a Western cowboy who has been sent to the town of Cedar Gulch to deposit gold in the bank for his boss. Arriving too late in the night to dispose of the gold, he seeks out the pretty daughter of the gambling-house keeper who has given her heart unto his keeping. While waiting for the bank to open in the morning, he becomes fascinated with the sight of the money being won at a gambling table, and starts to gamble with his boss's money. Luck is against him, and scarcely before he realizes it he has lost all. Ruin, disgrace, and prison or lynching stare him in the face. Only seeking to get back what he has lost he tries to rob the gambling house at night, and here he comes face to face with the little girl whom he loves. He confesses to her his crime and shame, and the woman's love spreads forth its hands to shield him. She seeks out Rattlesnake Jim, the Sheriff of Cedar Gulch, who also is in love with her, and implores his aid for her unworthy lover. A warrant for the cowboy's arrest reaches Jim while she is at his cabin and he struggles manfully to follow its mandates to the letter, but his love for the girl causes him to swerve from his strict path of duty and he decides to give the guilty man a fighting chance. Either he or the cowboy must quit Cedar Gulch at once. In other words, one of them must die. To live and not do his duty is a thought that has never entered Jim's mind. So these men of iron and nerve fight a novel duel in the Sheriff's lonely cabin, at which he has ordered the cowboy to report. Baring their arms to the elbow they sit at opposite sides of a table, calmly waiting for a great, poisonous rattlesnake to rise from its bed, which opens in the center of the table, and choose its victim. Slowly it uncoils itself upon the table with fangs darting in and out, it rears its head, the men watching its every move in fearful silence. At a moment when it seems that the awful suspense will be ended by a deadly strike fate interferes, and though justice miscarries, yet Cupid's arrow finds an unsuspecting but not unwilling victim in the person of the lion-hearted Sheriff, whose manly conduct, in contrast with that of her lover, reveals to the girl his true worth. All this is told with a wonderful dramatic strength and power, and one never loses interest for a moment.
- Two miners are fighting over a woman, and one is about to murder the other in his sleep. At the critical moment, the woman introduces her fiancé from the city.
- A man gets revenge on his cheating wife by killing her and her lover. He thinks he has killed his daughter as well, but she survives and is adopted by the sheriff. A few years later the man, now an outlaw, ambushes the sheriff and plans to kidnap and murder the sheriff's daughter.
- Red Wing is a little Indian maiden, who is the drudge of her tepee. Her brutal father shares the Indian contempt for women and regards her as little better than a beast of burden, though she is developing into an attractive maiden who some day will bring him many ponies and blankets from some amorous brave. Finding her sitting beside the fire at the camp, he drives her forth to gather wild berries, and when her weary feet will carry her no further and she sinks exhausted to the ground, her father happens to cross her trail, and with blows and hard words drives her to her task. His brutality excites the anger of some emigrants who are hurrying to make camp, and the leader of the little band of pioneers drives the cruel chief from the prostrate form upon which he is raining blows. Naiuchi is armed only with a knife against revolvers in the hands of several determined men and he slinks away. That night the emigrant camp is visited and the little daughter of the leader is carried off to be tortured. Red Wing recognizes in her the little daughter of her benefactor and in the early morning she rouses the child before the warriors are awake and leads her down to the river, where she places the wondering child in a canoe and swiftly paddles down the stream. Soon the camp is astir and the absence of the pair is noted. There is a rush for the stream, where a second canoe is manned and some of the red fiends furiously paddle away while the rest of the band turn to rush across country, hoping to reach a point below the fugitives by working in a straight line instead of following the many windings of the stream. Red Wing is overtaken and wounded by a bullet, but before the pursuers can come up with her, the emigrants, who have been searching for the little one, are attracted by the sound of the shot and they reach a bend in the river just in time to fight off the redskins. This is the point for which the land party has been heading, and though they come up in support of those in the canoe, they are beaten off and the sorrowing emigrants make easy the last moments of the grateful girl. This is a notable Indian picture in many important particulars. All of the Indian dresses are of actual native manufacture and are worn as the Indians wear them. The rich bead work and the handsome headdresses add to the picturesqueness of the scene, and Indian customs are observed throughout under the direction of the real Indians, who take the leading roles.
- A Western picture in a new setting; the scenes are laid on an Oklahoma cattle ranch. The foreman of the ranch is in love with the owner's daughter, and how near this love comes to costing him his life forms the basis of the story. Ranch scenes never before introduced to motion picture audiences are embodied in this strange tale of love and hatred. Mabel, the ranch owner's daughter, returns Jack's affection, and has long promised him a photo that he may have a picture resemblance to cheer him during the long hours he is forced to be away from her while attending to the vast herds of cattle under his charge. We see Mabel ride into the prairie town for the daily mail, and as she passes an itinerant photographer's cart she remembers her promise and secures a picture. Jack has a rival, an unscrupulous neighboring ranch owner. He meets Mabel as she comes from the photo wagon and begs for the picture. Mabel coolly tells him that she intends to give the photo to Jack, and the rival leaves, vowing vengeance. We then witness a meeting between the lovers as Mabel rides out where Jack is on duty. The rival also sees the two, and, maddened by a realization of the success of Jack in winning Mabel's love, he determines to be revenged. A daring plan occurs to him as he rides by the monster herd. He knows that Jack is just out of sight, "I'll stampede them over that rise of ground," and his trained eye takes in the distances at a glance. The cattle, several thousand in number, are stretched over a range of nearly a mile; a wide river winds its crooked way just below. Jack is reclining half asleep, still gazing at the pictured features of the girl he hopes soon to call his own. The coward strikes his spurs into the flanks of his mustang and in two minutes has reached the head of the herd. Ranch-raised cattle feeding are a peaceful sight, but only those who have lived among them and cared for them can realize how easily they can be turned into a living and irresistible flood. Once started, panic seizes them, and only tired nature can stop their mad flight. A few rapid shots, a quick sharp yell, and frenzy seizes the mass. They are off. Jack's trained ear notes the sound as the stampede starts. He rushes to the top of the valley's bank and looks for his horse, but too late; he has taken the alarm and is off like the wind down the valley. "My God! someone has started them. I haven't a chance on earth." You are wrong, Jack. The woman who loves you has seen the danger and also knows intuitively what has brought it upon you. She turns her horse and rides for the life she loves, and as Jack in despair watches the death he cannot avoid, approach, Mabel's voice reaches his dazed senses. "Get up behind; Pinto will save us. The boys have seen the cattle and will turn them." Jack reaches the camp with the half-fainting girl and tells the story of the stampede, and with but little respect for the law the cowboys would have made short work of Jack's rival. However, justice seldom goes amiss where men and women live close to nature, and the neighbor gets his deserts to everybody's satisfaction.
- Mary is sewing outside her cabin door, as the villain in our story enters and makes a proposal of marriage. He meets with a stern refusal and sneaks off, vowing vengeance. Mary enters the cabin and is setting the table as hero No. 1 enters and asks her father for her hand. The old man nods assent, but Mary, upon being consulted, refuses. The old man upbraids her, pleads with her, but she is resolute. A little later another suitor, hero No. 2 we shall call him, comes in and is joyously received by the girl. The father standing by, notices the reception. The truth dawns upon him, and he orders Mary from the house. The last named is evidently not as much infatuated with Mary as she is with him, and realizing that he has tired of her, the girl determines to commit suicide. She starts for the river, and is just about to end it all when hero No. 1 steps from behind a tree, thwarts her plan and asks what has driven her to such a step. Mary refuses to tell, wanders off and, coming to the dancing hall, she sees the second hero through a window dancing and flirting with different girls. She calls him away, pleads with him to marry her. This the young man refuses to do, and he is about to cast her aside when hero No. 1 appears and at the point of his gun forces the other to swear he will marry Mary. Hero No. 2 now returns to his cabin, sits, down in deep thought. The villain enters, taunts him of the girl, and in the fight which ensues the hero is stabbed. The murderer tears off the blood stained part of his sleeve and throws it out of the window, where it is found by a Chinaman who is passing. Then observing the approach of the first hero, the villain sees a chance of fastening the crime on him, slinks through another door, proceeds at once to the camp where he tells of the crime. A crowd at once returns to the cabin, where they pounce upon the hero and take him before a judge. Evidence is overwhelmingly against the accused and a verdict of guilty is speedily reached and all hands start for an immediate execution, when the Chinaman, noticing the torn sleeve of the villain, stops the proceeding, fits the piece he found on the villain's shirt and the tables are turned. Mary steps forward, embraces the exonerated man and they are married by the judge, who but a short time before had sentenced the bridegroom to death.
- Bill Going is the star pitcher for his local Choctaw baseball team. Gamblers from Jimtown try to persuade him to throw the game and he shoots and kills them. He is given a reprieve to pitch the last game of the year.
- The story concerns Lola Gonzales, a Spanish dancing girl, who falls in love with "Bud" Wilson, foreman of the Circle A ranch.
- An immigrant train is seen wending its way over the plains. The party consists of a mother and her two little girls, one four years, the other two or three years older; the driver and scout riding in advance and a guard of two or three plainsmen. After they have passed a certain point an Indian comes from a place of concealment mounts his horse and rides off to the Indian encampment, where he tells of the palefaces; then all mount and start in pursuit. The wagon train stops and is making camp as an Army scout bearing dispatches comes up and tells that Indians are on their trail. He promises to send aid from the fort as quickly as possible and preparations for a barricade are at once begun. In a short time the Indians appear and surround the caravan. A brief fight ensues and all save the two girls are dispatched. One is left for dead while the other is taken away by the warriors. Shortly after the soldiers appear, but too late. The little child is observed and after a short time revives and is taken by the commanding officer to the military post, where she becomes the pet of the regiment. Twelve years later we find the same young lady galloping over the plains. An Indian comes upon her, delivers a message, which alters her course and eventually leads to her capture. In the Indian village to which she is taken, she is selected by one of the braves for his squaw. The woman who is left to guard her observes a locket on her neck and by it recognizes in her her long lost sister. They decide to escape, cut a slit in the back of the tent and start for the military post. The escape is shortly after detected by the Indians, but too late to prevent the girls from reaching the fort. The young lady is welcomed by her soldier lover, to whom she presents her sister.