The Prairie King

This Gibson fare shows him at his best with 'Breezy ' Eason directing his usual fast paced style . Gibson's humor and laid-back style in this film show why he was a top Universal star during Silent Days . The action is all bloodless although there is some shooting . 3 people have done a favor for a mine owner who struck it rich . He leaves the mine to all 3 with the one in possession as the owner . However the will contains a secret provision that none of the claimants are aware of . Murdock tries to trick Barbara Worth out of the mine not aware Gibson is a claimant also . The Duel at the fiesta is an absolute masterpiece for what it is . The cutting in that scene shows a real knowledge of building tension by the use of different cuts and camera angles . No Gibson fan will be disappointed with this well-done feature . The finale is a Hoot ( no pun intended ) If you've not seen Gibson in silent films , this film will help you understand his popularity . There is a very good script , snappy direction , and the excellent use of titles for humor as well as the visual . One remark still puzzles me - " When you get to the bottom of the shaft , send me a diaphram of a Chinse laundry ". Did they misspell a title that should have been diagram ? Oh well . Doesn't detract . Worth the watch