This sort of film doesn't age all that well, but back in its day I am sure that theaters were filled with a lot of folks (mostly kids) who adored shorts like this. It is the sort of thing they made a lot of in the 20s, 30s and 40s--pure adventure and excitement--and a lot like the action you see in a movie serial. In other words, it's very low on plot and dialog but chock full of lots of action.
The film is about an ace pilot working for a group of G-men called "The Border Patrol"--a crime-fighting squadron of pilots. Since there is no war, they have to content themselves with smugglers, bandits and the like. Our hero, Russ, has been instructed to pick up a new pilot at the Senator's house--but no one knows that he's really a part of the evil gang of crooks. Russ later suspects--but it's too late--the new guy has taken to the air and threatens to shoot down any plane that tries to stop him. Can Russ save the day? What do you think?! As I said, it's VERY simple in plot and a bit silly (after all, when Russ and his plane engage the baddie, why does the rest of the squadron just stand there and watch?!). But, the air action is nice and the film is short enough that it never bores. Not great but worth a look at this obscure silent.
The film is about an ace pilot working for a group of G-men called "The Border Patrol"--a crime-fighting squadron of pilots. Since there is no war, they have to content themselves with smugglers, bandits and the like. Our hero, Russ, has been instructed to pick up a new pilot at the Senator's house--but no one knows that he's really a part of the evil gang of crooks. Russ later suspects--but it's too late--the new guy has taken to the air and threatens to shoot down any plane that tries to stop him. Can Russ save the day? What do you think?! As I said, it's VERY simple in plot and a bit silly (after all, when Russ and his plane engage the baddie, why does the rest of the squadron just stand there and watch?!). But, the air action is nice and the film is short enough that it never bores. Not great but worth a look at this obscure silent.
