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, Louise Glaum
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, Louise Glaum