A 44-Calibre Mystery (1917)

General Overview
"A 44-Calibre Mystery" is an American thriller from 1917, directed by Robert G. Vignola. Quiet film icon, Pauline Frederick, stars as Sallie Carter, a city lady who transfers to a rural cattle ranch in the west. The movie blends elements of love and action with a spine-chilling mystery storyline. Noted for its exceptional cinematography and gripping plot, it is thought about an early highlight in the genre of mystery films.

Plot Summary
Sallie Carter (Pauline Frederick) is a rich city woman, who out of her adventurous passion buys a cattle ranch in the west and relocations there. However, the picturesque country way of life quickly deciphers into a strange web of intrigue. Sallie's ranch has an interesting past and is surrounded by rumor and suspicion, concerning a strange disappearance and a series of unsolved murders.

As Sallie settles in, she becomes closely familiarized with truthful cowpuncher Jim Pettit (Thomas Holding) and they establish romantic sensations for each other. There is another cowboy, Williams (Frank Losee), who is likewise smitten with Sallie, causing stress in between him and Jim. One night, Sallie finds an unspent 44-calibre bullet that matches the one connected to the previous unsolved secrets.

Climax and Ending
As the story unwinds, Williams is framed for the murders due to a planted 44-calibre gun found in his ownership. The male's innocence is ultimately shown when Sallie, with Jim's aid, reveals the genuine murderer, the dubious cattle ranch supervisor Zeke (Edward Elkas). It is exposed that Zeke orchestrated the frames as he was the criminal of the initial unsolved murders.

The climax magnifies when Zeke attempts to take Sallie captive, however Jim daringly saves her and a strong gunfight occurs. Zeke is shot and with his dying breath, admits to the crimes. Williams is exonerated and, in a direct twist towards the end, admits his criminal past and leaves the cattle ranch. Jim and Sallie, now free from the shadow of the secret, admit their love for each other.

Production and Release
Released on February 19, 1917, "A 44-Calibre Mystery" was produced by Famous Players Film Company and dispersed by Paramount Pictures. The film's strong character advancements and usage of remarkable tension added to its important acclaim. Additionally, the remarkable surroundings of the west and the engaging performances, specifically by Pauline Frederick and Thomas Holding, were extensively valued.

Vital Reception
Reviewers applauded the movie's interesting story, the thriller of the mystery element, and the efficiencies. Despite its age, the movie is thought about a great example of early movie theater that effectively incorporated secret and love into an engaging story. "A 44-Calibre Mystery" is kept in mind for its cinematic storytelling design that was ahead of its time. Today, it functions as a valued artifact, showcasing the foundational structure of mystery genre films.

In sum, "A 44-Calibre Mystery" from 1917 is a renowned quiet movie that blends romance, action, and secret to produce a thrilling narrative set in the western frontier, making it a deserving watch for quiet movie lovers and mystery category fans alike.

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