Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Keno Bates, Liar - William S Hart (1915)

One of about 17 two-reelers made by and starring Hart in 1915. This unusual Western starts with the shooting and deals with the aftermath for the rest of its 20 minute length. Hart as 'Keno' Bates kills a thief and then takes it upon himself to support his homeless (and beautiful) sister, lying to her for her own peace of mind. When gun gets pulled a second time at the end, 'Keno' is on the wrong end of a woman's fury and stumbles affectingly across the landscape leaving a trail of blood. This film must have one of the homeliest femme fatales in the history of cinema...

No comments: