With a total running time of eleven minutes, By the Sun's Rays (1914) was a typical short Western film of the period. What makes the film stand out, however, is that it is the earliest surviving film starring Lon Chaney... The Man of a Thousand Faces. In the film, Chaney showcases his burgeoning talents with his impressive array of facial expressions, including his classic sinister grin. By the Sun's Rays also proved Chaney's adeptness at playing villains, which would help him in the remainder of his career.
Frank Lawler (Lon Chaney) is a clerk for a mining company...
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| By the Sun's Rays. 1914: Lon Chaney |
He is also in cahoots with a band of robbers, whom he tips off about the gold shipments leaving the mine...
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| By the Sun's Rays. 1914: Lon Chaney |
Tired of getting robbed, the company hires a detective, John Murdock, to figure out where the bandits are getting their information...
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| By the Sun's Rays. 1914: Lon Chaney |
All fingers point to Lawler...
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| By the Sun's Rays. 1914: Lon Chaney |
