An early French attempt at a Western that is fairly good, although director Jean Durand fails miserably to create any kind of tension out of a situation which would seem tailor-made for suspense. There's no doubt Griffith would have made a better job of that side of things - although he would have probably also included an unnecessary romantic sub-plot...
3 Reviews
When You're Tired of Working on the Railroad, Steal the Miners' Pay
boblipton20 August 2018
Joe Hamman is asked to deliver the miner's pay. e asks his buddies to go along, but they betray him. Back in town, he is going to be hanged for stealing the money, so he asks Berthe Dagmar to find Gaston Mdot and save him from the noose. Can she ride hard enough? And will Modot?
This movie is all about the riding and, of course, the shocking sight of a hanging in a France where they did things the civilized way - with a guillotine. It may seem surprising that Jean Durand's company of farceurs could ride so well, and that the French would be so enamored of les cow-boys that they would make their own movies on he subject, but there were plenty of westerns produced on the Continent into the 1930s.
This movie is all about the riding and, of course, the shocking sight of a hanging in a France where they did things the civilized way - with a guillotine. It may seem surprising that Jean Durand's company of farceurs could ride so well, and that the French would be so enamored of les cow-boys that they would make their own movies on he subject, but there were plenty of westerns produced on the Continent into the 1930s.
Teeens Euro western
Mozjoukine18 November 2008
One of the many short western films made by the French at this period, which make quite interesting viewing - one at a time or collectively.
Three friends drink together but one goes off to deliver the pay roll and then another is accused of killing him and arrested by Marshalls with stars painted on their shirts. The neck tie party is interrupted by the other member arriving in time to shoot the man down and clear his name.
As usual, odd touches like the steel framed European windows give the show away but the work has reasonable authenticity and adequate film form.
Three friends drink together but one goes off to deliver the pay roll and then another is accused of killing him and arrested by Marshalls with stars painted on their shirts. The neck tie party is interrupted by the other member arriving in time to shoot the man down and clear his name.
As usual, odd touches like the steel framed European windows give the show away but the work has reasonable authenticity and adequate film form.
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