Silent Western Classics: The Devil Horse (Silent, 1926)

As a boy, Dave Carson's parents were killed by a tribe of attacking Indians. He only escaped with the help of a little colt he affectionately named "Rex". Years later, a mighty black stallion is terrorizing the Indian settlements. Dave, now a Cavalry Scout, discovers that it is Rex. When the tribe that killed his parents attacks again, Dave rides Rex into battle to save the Cavalry.

The Devil Horse is one of several Westerns produced by Hal Roach with animal star "Rex, the Wonder Horse" in a featured role. Roach wrote the story with the help of one of the biggest stars at his studio, Stan Laurel. Yakima Canutt was selected to co-star alongside the black Morgan stallion. As noted in the credits, he appeared courtesy of producer Ben Wilson, who at the time had him signed to an eight-picture deal.

BONUS: RIDIN' MAD:Rodeo champion Steve Carlson saves his girlfriend from being swindled out of her inheritance by an unscrupulous tycoon. Originally released in 1924, Ridin' Mad was Yakima Canutt's first starring role, and the first of 8 pictures he made for producer Ben Wilson. In 1931, low-budget producer Bud Pollard cut the film down to just 2 reels, at the same time adding music, sound effects, and dialogue. Regrettably, it is only in this altered form that Ridin' Mad survives.

• silent