Watch The Bargain

The Bargain, a 1914 American western film starring William S. Hart, J. Frank Burke, and Clara Williams, takes place in the fictional town of Yellow Ridge, Arizona. The film follows the story of Jim Stokes, a notorious outlaw who has been on the run from the law for many years. After being chased by the sheriff and his posse, Jim seeks refuge in a small cabin on the outskirts of town. There, he meets the cabin's lone inhabitant, a woman named Joan Cameron. Upon discovering that Jim is an outlaw, Joan initially wants nothing to do with him but eventually warms up to him after he saves her from a dangerous encounter with a bandit.

The film's plot revolves around Jim's desire to turn over a new leaf and leave his life of crime behind. He is given the opportunity to do so when the owner of the town's general store offers him a job. However, Jim is hesitant to take the job and instead decides to accompany Joan to her father's ranch, hoping to make a fresh start. When they arrive, they discover that Joan's father, as well as the other nearby ranchers, are being threatened by a ruthless cattle baron named Ike Sinclair. Jim offers to help the ranchers fight against Sinclair, but Sinclair is not one to be easily defeated.

The Bargain is a classic western film that showcases William S. Hart's acting abilities and his talent for portraying tough yet sympathetic characters. In this film, Hart plays the role of Jim Stokes, a man who is torn between his past as an outlaw and his desire for a better life. Hart's portrayal of Jim is one of the film's greatest strengths, as he manages to humanize a character who has spent much of his life on the wrong side of the law. J. Frank Burke and Clara Williams also deliver strong performances as Sinclair and Joan, respectively.

The film's director, Reginald Barker, does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of Arizona's landscape and creating a sense of realism in the film's action scenes. The Bargain is a visually stunning film that showcases the beauty of the American West and its rugged terrain. Barker also makes effective use of close-ups to convey the emotions of the characters, particularly during the film's more dramatic moments.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Bargain is its depiction of the American West as a place where lawlessness and violence are rampant. The film portrays a society where the rule of law is often ignored, and where violence is seen as a necessary means of survival. This portrayal is in stark contrast to the more idealistic view of the American West that was popularized in later films and television shows.

Overall, The Bargain is a classic Western film that deserves to be remembered for its strong performances, stunning visuals, and realistic portrayal of life in the American West. The film's themes of redemption, justice, and the struggle for survival are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.