Hell's Hinges (1916)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

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:

Male Female Relationship | Arson | Brother Sister Relationship | Burial | Church

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:

One of the 50 films in the 4-disk boxed DVD set called "Treasures from American Film Archives (2000)", compiled by the National Film Preservation Foundation from 18 American film archives. This film was preserved by the Museum of Modern Art.

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)

Catalyst for other Westerns

Though a silent picture, this movie had a huge influence on Westerns after it. It reveals several characters which exist in almost any good Western: the hooker with the heart of gold, the tough cowboy, the religious, weak dude, the petticoat brigade, and the redemptive woman. Though not a great Western, it was exceptional for its time and extremely revolutionary. It's definitely a must-see for anyone studying the Western.