King Baggot (1879-1948)

Today in 1948 marks the death of actor and director King Baggot, who appeared in over 300 movies beginning in 1909 and directed some 45 films. Among these was William S. Hart's last film Tumbleweeds (1925), which is available for viewing on Youtube:

On this Day in 1918...

Blue Blazes Rawden was released, starring William S. Hart and Maude George. In the movie Hart plays a kumberjack who kills a man over a woman. Hart is usually associated with the cowboy role, but every once in a while he ventured into othe roles like that of policeman, gangster, Native American, and even Aztec prince.

On this Day in 1916...

William S. Hart's The Patriot was released. It tells the story of Bob Wiley, a Spanish-American war veteran and New Mexico rancher whose gold-rich land is robbed by crooked politicians. The embittered Wiley decides to join the forces of Mexican bandit Pancho Zapilla (aka Pancho Villa) who is planning to attack the United States. At the last minute, however, he has a change of heart and ends up thwarting Zapilla's plans. Hence the title. The New York Tribune had this to say about the movie: "Next to the galloping horse there is nothing which brings a Western tang to a picture so successfully as the fine, long, melancholy face of William S. Hart. Mr. Hart can do things with his eyes and the corners of his mouth that almost make you hear the sweep of the wind, and see rolling country and hear hoof beats."

(Adapted from Diane Kaiser Koszarski, The Complete Films of William S. Hart)

William S. Hart's 1939 Farewell to the Screen

In this 1939 clip, silent movie legend William S. Hart bids farewell to the screen. The last five minutes are worth it!