Based on the novel by Zane Grey, the film stars Tom Mix as the gunslinger Lassiter who hunts down the men responsible for kidnapping his sister and niece years ago. His trek takes him to a ranch owned by Jane Withersteen (Mabel Ballin) who is having her own problems with cattle rustlers. The two plots eventually meet up, and the movie features a haunting finale, remaining true to the novel.
Mix is somewhat bland as the hero, and his outfit is a bit too "ornate." However, he does have a cute, playful scene with an orphan girl played by Dawn O'Day (who later changed her name to Anne Shirley). Warner Oland, as the main villain, is suitably hiss-worthy. IMDb lists Gary Cooper in a bit, but I couldn't find him. Possibly the real star of the film is the beautiful scenery.
During the climax, Mix, with O'Day hanging onto him, and Ballin had to climb up a granite wall. Although wires held them in place, Mix admitted he was not comfortable. "I felt ill at ease because of that little shaver on my back. I kept talking all the time we were climbing to divert attention but let me tell you I watched my step."
In the novel, the kidnappers and some of the other "bad guys" are Mormons. However, there is no mention of any religious organization in this film. The 1918 version, with William Farnum, is presumed lost, although some stills exist, so this is the earliest surviving filmed version. The 1931 version, with George O'Brien, is available on youtube. There is also a 1940s version with George Montgomery.
