Directed by Lambert Hillyer, The Toll Gate (1920) showcased popular Silent Western Film star William S. Hart at the top of his craft. The story focuses on an outlaw who plans to go straight, but is betrayed by a member of his gang for reward money, before he gets the chance. With great action sequences, chases and shootouts the film is pure early cinema entertainment.
Directed by George Fitzmaurice, The Son of the Sheik (1926) would prove to be the final film for Silent Film heartthrob Rudolph Valentino. While on tour doing advance promotion for the film, Rudolph Valentino collapsed in his hotel room and was rushed to the hospital, where emergency surgery was done for a perforated ulcer. After surgery, Valentino developed peritonitis and died on August 23, 1926. He was 31 years old. The Son of the Sheik was formally and posthumously released two weeks later. The story concerns a wealthy nobleman that is seduced, and seemingly betrayed, by a beautiful gypsy girl... and his subsequent revenge. The Son of the Sheik was supposed to have been a "comeback role" for Valentino, whose career had suffered slightly since his early "lover role" successes. The cast is great, including Rudolph Valentino in dual roles as father and son, Vilma Banky and Agnes Ayres.
Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Rudolph Valentino: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Rudolph Valentino: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Rudolph Valentino: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky: The Son of the Sheik. 1926
Directed by D.W. Griffith, Way Down East (1920) is legendary in the annals of Film History, thanks to an Epic climax on the broken sheets of ice on a river. The story concerns an innocent country girl who gets duped, seduced and impregnated by a womanizing cad, and finds herself an outcast as a result. D.W. Griffith's masterful direction paces the silent film nicely in an upward sweep to the exciting climax. It ranks amongst his best films. Lillian Gish is great in the lead role, both strong and vulnerable. The supporting players are good as well, including Creighton Hale and Lowell Sherman.
