Three Word Brand

In the old west, home-seeker William S. Hart (as Ben Trego) finds a dreamy spot to build, for himself and his twin boys. Unfortunately, there are savage Indians (aka Native Americans) around; obviously, they haven't studied "manifest destiny". To protect his motherless sons from Indians, Mr. Hart blows himself up. Although Hart's pioneer-man is eventually memorialized ("Trego County", "Trego Valley"); his twins are separated, after being sent to an orphanage. They grow up to be William S. Hart (in two additional roles, as Bill Brand and Paul Marsden).

Hart as "Bill Brand" is a rancher; he is affectingly called "Three Word Brand", due to his economy with words. Hart as "Paul Marsden" is the newly elected Governor of Utah. Rancher Hart and partner S.J. Bingham (as George Barton) find the "L7" ranch threatened by nasty neighbor Gordon Russell (as Bull Yeates). Mr. Russell frames Mr. Bingham for murder; and plots to take the "L7" from Hart. Russell's lovely young sister, Jan Novak (as Ethel Barton), is Hart's romantic interest.

It's nice to see Hart in a dual role (not counting his fatherly introduction); however, "Three Word Brand" doesn't really take advantage of its dramatic possibilities. Hart's characterizations are surprisingly one-dimensional for an actor who played "good/bad" duality so memorably; but, the script doesn't offer him much opportunity. Hart's highlights occurs later in the film, when his simple Rancher twin ("Brand") impersonates the more sophisticated Governor twin ("Marsden"). It's nicely photographed, and mostly enjoyable, despite a certain lack of excitement.

****** Three Word Brand (9/25/21) Lambert Hillyer ~ William S. Hart, Jan Novak, J. Gordon Russell