Arthur Wellington Moore arrives in the small Canadian town of Swan Creek. When the locals discover he is a preacher, or "sky pilot," they mock him. Bill Hendricks, a ranch hand, sticks up for Moore. However, when Moore gives a sermon, Hendricks also mocks him. The two have a fistfight, in which Moore bests Hendricks. Hendricks' friends ride Moore out of town. Hendricks, chastened, goes after the preacher, and the two shake and become best friends. Hendricks gets Moore a job at the Ashley ranch. A rival rancher named the Duke is after Ashley's herd. When Moore is shot off his horse, he is rescued by Gwen. But Gwen's father is an old-timer who has rejected God and is in cahoots with Ashley. When Gwen and her father discover Moore is a preacher, they reject him. Later, during a cattle stampede, Moore saves Gwen's life, but she is unable to walk. The townspeople build a church for Moore and surprise him on Christmas Day. But the Duke has plans for the church. Will the Duke and his gang be brought to justice? Will the old-timer see the light? Will Gwen ever walk again?
This is a fine film with a lot going for it. The acting is good across the board (especially by Butler), and the outdoor photography is first rate. The fight between Bowers and Butler is vicious and realistic. Moore makes a cute and spunky heroine. The stampede is well-staged, with Bowers standing astride the prone Moore, waving away the cattle. According to one trade magazine, Bowers eschewed a stunt double for this scene. In watching the scene, it does appear to be Bowers sticking his neck out. In between the dramatic scenes, there is some welcome humor, with Butler falling backwards off his chair, and Bowers attempting to ride a bucking bronco.
Director King Vidor claimed this was the first film in which tints were used to reflect nature and suggest moods. He used soft violet for early dawn, pale yellow for post-sunrise, amber for noon and evening, and deep blue for moonlight scenes. To express joy and sorrow, he used pink and green respectively. Unfortunately, the print I saw was lacking the tinted scenes.
This is a fine film with a lot going for it. The acting is good across the board (especially by Butler), and the outdoor photography is first rate. The fight between Bowers and Butler is vicious and realistic. Moore makes a cute and spunky heroine. The stampede is well-staged, with Bowers standing astride the prone Moore, waving away the cattle. According to one trade magazine, Bowers eschewed a stunt double for this scene. In watching the scene, it does appear to be Bowers sticking his neck out. In between the dramatic scenes, there is some welcome humor, with Butler falling backwards off his chair, and Bowers attempting to ride a bucking bronco.
Director King Vidor claimed this was the first film in which tints were used to reflect nature and suggest moods. He used soft violet for early dawn, pale yellow for post-sunrise, amber for noon and evening, and deep blue for moonlight scenes. To express joy and sorrow, he used pink and green respectively. Unfortunately, the print I saw was lacking the tinted scenes.