Hell's Hinges (1916)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Charles Swickard

Writers:

C. Gardner Sullivan (screenplay)
C. Gardner Sullivan (story)

Release Date:

5 March 1916 (USA)

Genre:

Romance | Western

Plot:

When Reverend Robert Henley and his sister Faith arrive in the town of Hell's Hinges, saloon owner Silk...

Plot Keywords:

Faith | Saloon | Gunfire | Dancehall Girl | Revenge

Awards:

1 win

Cast

William S. Hart	...	Blaze Tracy
Clara Williams	...	Faith Henley
Jack Standing	...	Rev. Robert 'Bob' Henley
Alfred Hollingsworth	...	Silk Miller
Robert McKim	...	A clergyman
J. Frank Burke	...	Zeb Taylor
Louise Glaum	...	Dolly (dance-hall girl)

Runtime:

64 min (alternate version)

Country:

USA

Color:

Black and White (tinted)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Certification:

Portugal:17 | USA:Unrated

Company:

Kay-Bee Pictures

Trivia:

Film debut of John Gilbert.

Quotes:

Blaze Tracy: I reckon God ain't wantin' me much, ma'am, but when I look at you, I feel I've been ridin' the wrong trail.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Golden Saddles, Silver Spurs (2000) (TV)

Raising Hell with William S. Hart

As the film begins, William S. Hart (as "Blaze" Tracy) is off-screen, in the appropriately named town of "Hell's Hinges". Mr. Hart is a "man-killer whose philosophy of life is summer up in the creed 'Shoot first and do your disputin' afterward'!" He believes neither law nor religion will ever come to the wretched town he loves. He is wrong. Jack Standing (as Rev. Robert Henley) is on his way to town; he is, as you'll witness, a recently ordained minister with an eye for something other than ladies' souls. Mr. Standing will also reveal a fondness for drink. Accompanying the bad reverend is his good sister Clara Williams (as Faith Henley). Ms. Williams combines "the strength of character her brother so woefully lacks" and leads Hart to God (the Jesus Christ version). But, is Hart a faithful servant of God, or just another Hell-raising western rogue?

This is an excellent, albeit absurd, film. Steely-eyed Hart is well heeled; and, the fiery ending is tremendous. Standing's debauched preacher is unexpectedly entertaining. Williams was a noted actress; but, she doesn't play innocent and alluring; mainly, she looks admiringly at Hart (and her brother). You may wonder what Hart sees in her, when they first meet; although, Hart plays the scene well. It's difficult to understand the Williams/Hart attraction, which worked in other films. Thankfully, Louise Glaum (as Dolly) is around to play guiltily alluring; presumably, Hart has had his fill of such women by the time Williams arrives.

******** Hell's Hinges (3/5/16) Charles Swickard ~ William S. Hart, Clara Williams, Jack Standing