Cheyenne's Pal (1917)

Cheyenne's Pal Poster

During World War I, westerner Cheyenne Harry is a horse seller, but he refuses to part with his favorite horse and friend, Cactus. One night, broke and drunk, he sells Cactus to an Englishman for $350 which he soon loses gambling. When Harry discovers that Cactus is being sent to the war in France and probable death, he gets a horse- tending job on the ship. When they get the opportunity Harry jumps off the ship with Cactus and they swim to shore. Harry is eventually caught but is allowed to work off his debt and keep Cactus.

Film Overview
"Cheyenne's Pal" is a silent movie from the year 1917, directed by John Ford. Embed in the Western category, it starred popular actors of the time such as Harry Carey, Bob Kortman and Molly Malone. It wrapped audiences in rugged landscapes of the Wild West and really effective, emotive storylines, keeping with the cinematic aura of the early 20th century.

Plot Summary
In "Cheyenne's Pal", Harry Carey represented the function of 'Cheyenne Harry', a cowboy deeply rooted in life's hardships within the Western frontier. Cheyenne's best friend, a criminal, played by Bob Kortman, devotes a brazen crime in the area - robbing a Wells Fargo money delivery. Sadly, his venture is unsuccessful, and he is fatally shot by the sheriff during his escape.

Cheyenne discovers his partner passing away among the foothills and in his last moments, persuades him to tell the details of the mostly botched theft. Honoring his passing away good friend's desire, Cheyenne returns the taken money to the Wells Fargo workplace with a note describing it was the passing away miscreant's final dream to return the cash.

Character Development and Themes
The film welcomes the theme of relationship, commitment, and redemption. Despite the fact that his friend was a criminal, Cheyenne remains true to their friendship, honoring his last desire. The film slams the unforgiving life of the Western frontier however equally, highlights the noble code of ethics that some had. Cheyenne's character showcases a deep sense of honesty in spite of the hardship and temptation to corrupt ways.

Harry Carey, renowned for his cowboy functions, completely catches the rugged nobility needed for Cheyenne's character. His portrayal creates a poignant figure, efficient in tremendous commitment amidst a life laden with obstacle and betrayal. Bob Kortman likewise gives a compelling performance as the repentant criminal, inspiring Cheyenne's act of honorable thievery.

Cinematic Elements
As a silent movie, "Cheyenne's Pal" needed physical acting, theatrical makeup and cinematography to communicate its narrative. The set styles, maquillage, and costumes of this film reflected the common life of the Wild West period. John Ford, already making a name for himself in silent cinema, utilized the full scope of visuals to tell his story, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the landscape and the physical blowing of his leads.

Film's Influence and Legacy
"Cheyenne's Pal" was a splendid installation in the early phase of quiet cinema. It stands as an affirmation of director John Ford's prospective and an early peek of a number of the themes that would permeate his later work. Its representation of the rugged western frontier substantially added to the appeal and establishment of the Western category in American film history. Despite the fact that this film might not resonate with today generation due to technological developments in filmmaking, it remains a considerable artifact of American cinema.

Top Cast

  • Harry Carey (small)
    Harry Carey
    Cheyenne Harry
  • Jim Corey (small)
    Jim Corey
    Noisy Jim
  • Gertrude Astor (small)
    Gertrude Astor
    Dancehall girl
  • Vester Pegg
    Cowboy
  • Steve Pimento
    Cowboy
  • William Steele (small)
    William Steele
    Cowboy (as Bill Gettinger)
  • Hoot Gibson (small)
    Hoot Gibson
    Cowboy
  • Ed Jones
    Cowboy
  • Pete Carey
    Cactus Pete the Horse