There's an indelible magic to silent cinema that the sound era has just never been able to touch. By no means is every silent title equal; some of the greatest films ever made hail from the 1910s and 1920s, but there is plenty of middling fare from the same timeframe, too, and the occasional flop. Yet from burgeoning techniques and technology, to the use of intertitles and expression of older language, to depictions of a time far removed from our own, if not also very different values: unless there's a particular reason not to, it's hard not to kind of fall in love with any given flick. And so it is with 1925 western 'Riders of the purple sage,' the sort of movie which at many if not most points looks and feels like the type of classic that would be briefly mentioned if not showcased in a modern love letter to Hollywood like Damien Chazelle's 'Babylon,' or the Coen Brothers' 'Hail, Caesar!' The production is relatively simple, and so is the storytelling, yet there is nonetheless much to love in these fifty-five minutes, and it wants naught but to entertain. If you're someone who is keen on the rich heritage of the medium, there's really no going wrong here, and it surely remains more vibrant than no few of its brethren and successors.
A few words on the screen may portend the passing of years, cover for violence that was deemed by censors to be too bold for contemporary audiences, or represent the totality of some plot points. I can understand how some viewers have a hard time engaging with the silent era, and I'd have said the same myself at one time. Such earnest directness is part of the charm of the style, however, as we're related the tale of corruption and outlaws in the Old West, and the honorable few who seek to uphold justice and virtue. And despite the restraints and limitations this may have faced, nevertheless we're treated to some splendid stunts and effects, with swell touches of action to complement the drama. The filming locations are truly gorgeous, and I admire the detail that went into the sets, costume design,hair, and makeup. The acting doesn't make any major impression, but the players are unquestionably skilled and committed, and ably play their parts in the tableau. Why, I'd even go so far as to say that between Lynn Reynolds' direction, and Daniel B. Clark's cinematography, there are some especially excellent shots scattered throughout, and there's a certain casual, organic finesse to the orchestration of each scene and beat. Nothing about 'Riders of the purple sage' specifically stands out per se, but from top to bottom it's completely solid, with building suspense and excitement as the tale draws toward its conclusion.
I don't think this picture will be one to change the minds of any modern viewer who isn't already receptive to the silent; it's the avid cinephile who adores the art form, and treasures everything it has given us, who will get the most out of the experience. One may well argue that the storytelling tends to be a little too simple and uninvolved for its own good, with realization on celluloid, including even some choice poetic flourishes in the intertitles, that surpasses the quality of the root material. Him and haw as one may about the minutiae, however, I for one am firmly of the mind that this is wonderfully enjoyable. It's no revelation, but it also doesn't try to be. This is pure, straightforward entertainment first and foremost, and the fact that some facets are more distinctly fetching - stunts, direction, cinematography, the grand vistas themselves - is just a terrific bonus. What it comes down to, perhaps, is that the feature represents suitable if broadly unremarkable plot, rendered with fabulous skill and care. It's not something one needs to go out of their way to see, but as far as I'm concerned 'Riders of the purple sage' holds up quite well, and is very fun and pleasing in its own right. There are countless films in all the past one hundred years that only wish they could stand as tall as this does, proving that any one doesn't need to be a must-see exemplar to boast enduring worth. If you have the chance to watch, at just under one-hour long, this deserves your time.
