Wid's Filmdom (1921)

& DAILW September 11, 1921 REAL RIES RAT EE a LL SS LL EE: CLES NT RE TIE Sunday, Plenty Of Good Action Puts Over Western Story That Isn’t New “THE VENGEANCE TRAIL” Aywon Film Corp.—State Rights DIRECTOR (ois 7235 ees: Charles R. Seeling AUTHOR... 23) 5 eee eee Guinn Williams SCENARIO: BYs 27a eee ee hee Not credited CAMERAMAN? 2. ee Spere en eis Not credited AS A WHOLE...... Of the conventional western order, not new in substance, but contains splendid action STORYS)2ee2 Keeps moving at good speed and has attractive settings that make it pleasing to look at DIRECTION ee Has made a Satisfying, sustaining interest despite familiar material PHOTOGRAPH Yay ae RAS cee ike Very good LIGHTINGS 2ee eee ee Mostly natural PLAYERS eeee Big Boy (Guinn) Williams seen in second of western series, does fine work; Will Rogers, Jr., has a good part in this; usual west ern types EXTERIORS Sie 7 eee ee ae Very pretty INTERIORS Sse Ee rN Ot nNainy, required DETAIL... saeernee eres cc. : See Suffices CHARACTER OF STORY....Wealthy ranchman’s no-account son proves his real worth when it comes to a “show-down” LENGTH OF PRODUGCTION®. <.: About 5,000 feet This Aywon release, the second of a series of westerns, stars a newcomer in the field of cowboy stars. Big Boy Williams’ first production was “The Jack Rider” and again in “The Vengeance Trail” he performs some thrillers that are bound to go big with admirers of western subjects. Williams has written the story as well and injected plenty of action and a swift moving continuity that leaves nothing to be de sired in the way of holding attention, even though the plot is of the most conventional order. Practically the entire interest is centered upon the part of Big Boy and he succeeds nicely in putting over a story that of itself would be too weak to hold up for the five reels allotted to it. Williams’ role consists of a series of daredevil stunts, some fast riding and daring rescues, all of which provide plenty of excitement and occur sufficiently frequent to lap over the weak spots in the plot. The usual romantic twists is included and offers an opportunity for excitement when the girl is kidnapped and Big Boy saves her. Will Rogers, Jr., proves himself a “chip off the old block” in a more promising part than he had in Wil. liams’ first picture. He does some riding and brings an airplane to Big Boy’s assistance in the rescue of the girl. Charles Seeling has attended to the produc tion end adequately and secured highly attractive locations for the action. “Lady Killer” Larson, foreman of Bronson’s ranch, and “Broncho” Powell, his right-hand man, are really cattle rustlers. Big Boy, son of the ranch owner, is in love with Grace Winwood. Because of this and his ability to fight, Big Boy incurs the enmity of Larson who, with Powell, frames a hold-up in which Big Boy is dared to participate with the understanding that it is only pretense. Powell makes it a reality, however, and Big Boy, suspected of being a thief, is ordered off the ranch by his father. Later Big Boy saves Buddy Hicks, who has been kidnapped by Larson’s gang for ransom, and puts the sheriff on the bandit’s trail. For revenge Larson kidnaps Grace. In an effort to rescue the girl Big Boy is captured, but Buddy escapes and rides for aid. After considerable fighting on both sides Larson is captured, Big Boy acquitted of the hold-up charge and free to marry Grace. Sure To Please The Male Members Of Your Patrons Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor The second of the Aywon series with Big Boy Willinzms will make a thoroughly satisfying entertainment of its kind and should be well received, especially here they like westerns. In case you have already shown “The Jack Rider,” it would be well to recall it to your patrons and promise them some more thrillers from this new cowboy star in his latest production, “The Vengeance Trail.” Stills in the lobby and catchlines for your program will attract. Say, “Even his father believed him an outlaw, but the girl he loved had faith in him. See how Big Boy proves his real worth in “The Vengeance Trail” ” You might get them interested by putting up posters offering a reward for the capture of a bandit and following up with announcement of the show ing at your theater. a —— ee ee EE