Let 'er Buck (1925)

Film Overview
"Let 'er Buck" is a silent Western movie from 1925 showcasing the skills of the iconic cowboy star of the age, Fred Thomson. The movie was directed by Edward Sedgwick and produced by FBO, an American movie production and distribution company running throughout the 1920s. The movie's screenplay was written by Arthur F. Statter and Edward Sedgwick, telling the story of a cowboy browsing his way through romance, rodeos, and hooligan clashes.

Main Plot
The film opens with the lead character, Bob Langdon (played by Fred Thomson), chasing after a gang of outlaws who have stolen his horses. The pursuit leads him to Pendleton, Oregon, where a big rodeo-- a major theme of the movie-- is taking place. Bob's extraordinary cowboy skills immediately catch the attention of the rodeo supervisor, who persuasively persuades him to participate in the cowboy contest.

Bob's participation in the rodeo becomes quite effective, bring in the love of Mary, a lovely rancher's daughter. Nevertheless, this triggers a rivalry with Rance, the previous rodeo champion who also has eyes for Mary. The rivalry intensifies when Bob wins the championship title, more fueling his blossoming romance with Mary.

Rance, feeling threatened, attempts to frame Bob by manipulating one of the hooligan gang members into stealing the championship handbag money. Believed of this theft, Bob is apprehended but manages to escape from jail to go after and capture the real perpetrators. Along the way, he has to avert both the police and Rance, while attempting to prove his innocence.

Tensions culminate when Rance abducts Mary, causing an action-packed chase scene. Defying all chances, Bob saves her and records the thief, revealing both the outlaws' and Rance's misdeeds therefore showing his innocence.

Cast and Characters
Fred Thomson as Bob Langdon, is the brave, proficient, and truthful cowboy who plays the lead. He carries the show through his incredible stunt work and charm. Hazel Keener, playing the role of Mary, adds a layer of love and drama to the story. Charles Thurston in the role of Rance portrays the typical silent movie bad guy, including stress and dispute to the plot. The other crucial cast includes Arthur Morrison as the hooligan gang member and Shadow, Fred Thomson's horse, whose involvement is crucial in several scenes.

Effect and Reception
"Let 'er Buck" became a notable movie of its time due to its thrilling representation of rodeo contests and cowboy lifestyle, which set it apart from the normal Western category movies. The film also leverages its awesome cinematography, combined with Fred Thomson's daring stunts, to develop an interesting narrative that defies the conventions of its time.

The film resonated commonly with audiences for its representation of Western Americana, and together with Thomson's on-screen charm, it was hailed as an early classic of the Western genre. Its impact continues decades later on, with its authentic depiction of the setting and characters working as an example of the traditional quiet period of filmmaking. Although a box-office success in its age, the film is now thought about lost, with no recognized prints available.

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