Hell's Hinges

Starring: William S. Hart, Clara Williams, Jack Standing, Alfred Hollingsworth, Robert McKim, Louise Glaum
Directed by: Charles Swickard
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Western, Romance
1916

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A parson (Jack Standing) and his sister (Clara Williams) move to the wild west town of Hell's Hinges. There, they face great opposition to their faith by the townsfolk, who have no need of religion. They find an unlikely ally in a deadly gunfighter (William S. Hart).

Review:

Tim: Hell's Hinges is a pretty fascinating early Western. It blends western action with some pretty heavy religious themes in a combination not seen often in later films. It is a unique, interesting movie that works hard to deliver a powerful message. That, combined with some impressive visuals, give us a memorable, entertaining movie.

I would bet that most people make their mind up about this film based on the religious overtones. This is a movie that is not afraid to lead with its beliefs. We have a dangerous outlaw who immediately changes his life because of the beauty and holiness of a woman dedicated to her faith. His conversion is rather quick, which some people might not buy. The text in the film could also be seen as horribly cheesy. However, there is definitely another way to view this film, and I tend to go in that direction. I thought the story was well told, and I was able to overlook some of the more farfetched events.

I really think the almost immediate conversion of Blaze Tracy is one of the most important events of the film. Yes, it's unlikely that a killer would convert to a religion based almost entirely on a first look at a holy, faithful woman. However, people talk about "love at first sight" all the time. This is a similar concept. I thought the idea of a man willing to change his life for the better because of the inspiration derived from a woman of faith was a beautiful, poignant moment. It reminded me that we can all get back on the right path, no matter how far we've traveled.

The cast was very good. I was really impressed with William S. Hart in the lead role. Hart is clearly a good actor, and makes his impact on the film with his almost expressionless face. He conveys that world weary quality with his eyes and his presence alone. It's definitely an interesting performance. I enjoyed him in the role, and it was his acting ability that convinced me of the major changes his character undergoes. He was the best part of the film. I also liked Jack Standing as the Reverend. I thought Clara Williams was decent as Faith, but I didn't love her in the role. She needed to be more memorable to make us believe Blaze would change so significantly for her.

I have to mention the amazing conclusion to the film. While it doesn't come as a surprise, the blazing inferno recalls the town's namesake. The fire scenes are pretty amazing, and I was awestruck by the carnage in the background. I could almost feel the heat emanating off the screen. It was a fitting conclusion to the film, and recalled the biblical destruction that tied so nicely to the film's religious themes. It was pretty stunning to watch.

Hell's Hinges is a powerful, different Western that felt a bit ahead of its time. I really enjoyed the movie, and I bought into the characters and the story. While it does occasionally come across as too hokey, for the most part, it worked for me. I didn't know how I would find a film from 1916, but it was every bit as entertaining as movies that would follow it over the next decade. This is a really, really good movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



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