A bear interrupts the gathering of some Indians. When they pursue it, they find a pioneer's cabin, which they set on fire, with the man's wife inside. Will she perish in the blaze?
This Selig Polyscope western looks notable for two things: an early sizable role for Tom Mix (he plays the Indian chief) and the tinting present in just about every scene: red for fire, green or yellow for forest. The use of the bear as a guide to the plot is a nice conceit and the bits of comedy when the beast comes upon the Indians is nice. However, Charles Clary, as the Pioneer has a very annoying performing tic of looking back as if to make sure the audience is paying attention to him. On the stage, this bit of mugging would have lasted three performances. In the flickers, where there is no audience present, it is simply bizarre.
This Selig Polyscope western looks notable for two things: an early sizable role for Tom Mix (he plays the Indian chief) and the tinting present in just about every scene: red for fire, green or yellow for forest. The use of the bear as a guide to the plot is a nice conceit and the bits of comedy when the beast comes upon the Indians is nice. However, Charles Clary, as the Pioneer has a very annoying performing tic of looking back as if to make sure the audience is paying attention to him. On the stage, this bit of mugging would have lasted three performances. In the flickers, where there is no audience present, it is simply bizarre.
