I had the feeling that there must be a decent two-reeler among Alpha's westerns somewhere, and Sundown Trail (1934) provided the answer.
Wally Wales is the well-spoken hero, Jim Sheridan, the bloodthirsty villain, and super-lovely Fay McKenzie, the heroine.
Director/writer Robert Emmett Tansey makes great use of his real locations. No cattle in sight, but the budget did run to an extremely large herd of sheep.
On the same disc, Alpha provides a spectacular three-reel silent, The Invaders (1912), directed by Thomas Ince and/or Francis Ford (who plays the cavalry commander). True, a better print is available in "More Treasures from American Film Archives" but Alpha has a price advantage. Story, acting, direction, photography and production values are remarkably accomplished for a film of this vintage.
Wally Wales is the well-spoken hero, Jim Sheridan, the bloodthirsty villain, and super-lovely Fay McKenzie, the heroine.
Director/writer Robert Emmett Tansey makes great use of his real locations. No cattle in sight, but the budget did run to an extremely large herd of sheep.
On the same disc, Alpha provides a spectacular three-reel silent, The Invaders (1912), directed by Thomas Ince and/or Francis Ford (who plays the cavalry commander). True, a better print is available in "More Treasures from American Film Archives" but Alpha has a price advantage. Story, acting, direction, photography and production values are remarkably accomplished for a film of this vintage.