The Return Of Draw Egan (Silent)

Barely escaping a deputy's posse, notorious desperado Draw Egan flees to the town of Yellowtail. Posing as "William Blake," he convinces town reformer Matt Buckton to hire him as the new sheriff. Tough-as-nails "Blake" cleans up the town in no-time flat, all the while falling for Buckton's pretty daughter, Myrtle. Just when redemption and the chance for an honest life with a good woman seem possible, Arizona Joe, a former member of Draw Egan's gang, shows up in town with blackmail on his mind. Sheriff "Blake" must either allow Arizona Joe and his outlaw gang to bleed the town dry, or be exposed as Draw Egan, a wanted fugitive with a price on his head.

William S. Hart began as a highly acclaimed Shakespearean actor on Broadway who entertained no aspiration for movie acting prior to age 49. A major western buff, he purchased Billy The Kid's pistols and boasted friendships with both Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. Partnering with producer Thomas Ince in 1915, Hart went on to star in and direct dozens of memorable westerns such as this fine motion picture.

Bonus: Love, Speed and Thrills (1915) with Mack Swain, Minta Durfee, Chester Conklin, Billy Gilbert, Charley Chase.

• western