Watch Branded a Bandit

Branded a Bandit, released in 1924, is a classic western film that tells the story of an honest cowboy named Jack Hare who is wrongly accused of being a cattle rustler. The movie, directed by Harry S. Webb, stars Yakima Canutt in the lead role of Jack Hare, along with Judge Hamilton as Sheriff Pete, and Wilbur McGaugh as the villainous cattle baron, Dan Marlin.

The film opens with Jack working on a ranch owned by his employer, Jim Smith. As the story progresses, Jack discovers that some of the cattle are missing and sets out to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, Dan Marlin, who is attempting to take over Jim's ranch, hatches a plan to frame Jack for cattle rustling to discredit him in front of Jim.

Thus, Jack finds himself suddenly branded as a bandit and is on the run from the law. With the help of a few friends, Jack sets out to clear his name while being relentlessly pursued by Sheriff Pete, who is convinced of his guilt. The chase leads them through rugged terrain and dangerous situations, as Dan Marlin and his men plot to take over Jim's ranch, but Jack refuses to give up, determined to prove his innocence.

The movie has all the classic western elements - a rugged hero, a villain with an evil plan, and a lawman caught up in a moral dilemma. Yet, it's the action sequences that make Branded a Bandit truly iconic. Yakima Canutt, who was a renowned stuntman and action choreographer, designed and performed some of the most death-defying stunts in the movie, including jumps from a moving train and a horse-drawn carriage.

The film is also notable for its stunning cinematography. The landscapes of the American West are captured in all their natural glory, from sweeping plains to rocky canyons. The camera work is particularly impressive during the action sequences, as the camera follows the fast-moving characters with precision and skill.

One of the strengths of Branded a Bandit is its pacing. Despite being a silent film, the story moves at a brisk pace, never lingering too long on any one scene. The editing is tight and effective, accentuating the action and keeping things interesting for the viewer. The film's score, which was added later, also adds to the overall atmosphere, with lively, upbeat music during the action scenes and more somber tones during the dramatic moments.

Overall, Branded a Bandit is a classic western movie that has stood the test of time. It's a thrilling adventure that showcases some of the most impressive action sequences of its time, thanks to the talent of Yakima Canutt. The film has all the hallmarks of the genre - cowboys, cattle rustlers, lawmen, and shootouts - yet stands out for its stunning cinematography and fast-paced storytelling. If you're a fan of classic westerns, this is a must-see film that will take you on a wild ride through the American West.

Branded a Bandit is a 1924 western with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.