No Man's Law

Plot

In the rugged American West, a wild stallion known as Rex becomes the unlikely guardian of an elderly prospector and his young foster daughter Mary. When two unscrupulous thugs, Barton and Henley, discover that the prospector has struck gold on his claim, they devise a sinister plan to murder him and steal his fortune. Rex, having formed a bond with Mary, senses the danger and becomes increasingly protective of the small family. The clever horse repeatedly thwarts the villains' attempts to harm the prospector, using his intelligence and strength to outsmart the criminals. In a thrilling climax, Rex helps expose the murderers and ensures justice is served, cementing his role as the true hero of the wilderness.

Historical Background

1927 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the transition from silent films to sound with the release of 'The Jazz Singer.' 'No Man's Law' was produced during this transitional period, representing the final flowering of the silent western genre. The film reflected the enduring popularity of western themes in American cinema and the fascination with animal stars that characterized much of 1920s popular culture. The late 1920s saw a surge in films featuring animal protagonists, with horses like Rex the Wonder Horse and dogs like Rin Tin Tin becoming major box office draws. This period also represented the height of the B-movie western, with studios like Rayart Pictures producing numerous low-budget but profitable westerns for rural and small-town audiences. The film's release came just months before the stock market crash of 1929, which would dramatically alter the film industry landscape.

Making Of

The making of 'No Man's Law' was centered around the extraordinary abilities of Rex the Wonder Horse, who had become a major box office draw by 1927. Director Fred Jackman, leveraging his background in special effects, employed innovative camera techniques including low-angle shots to emphasize Rex's heroic stature and dramatic slow-motion sequences for the horse's action scenes. The cast and crew spent weeks working with Rex and his trainer to achieve the complex sequences required for the film. James Finlayson, typically known for comedy roles, was cast against type as one of the villains, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The production utilized the scenic Alabama Hills, a popular filming location for westerns, to create authentic outdoor settings. The film was shot quickly and efficiently, typical of Rayart Pictures' B-movie production approach, but with special attention given to sequences featuring Rex, as these were the main attraction for audiences.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Ira H. Morgan utilized the expansive landscapes of the Alabama Hills to create dramatic western vistas, employing wide shots to emphasize the isolation and danger of the frontier setting. Morgan incorporated innovative low-angle photography to enhance Rex the Wonder Horse's heroic presence, making the horse appear larger and more imposing in key scenes. The film features several dynamic action sequences shot with moving cameras, unusual for a low-budget production of the era. Natural lighting was maximized for outdoor scenes, creating authentic western atmospheres. The cinematography also includes close-ups of Rex that were technically challenging for the time, requiring special camera setups to capture the horse's expressions and reactions effectively.

Innovations

The film's primary technical achievement lay in its sophisticated coordination of animal action sequences, which required innovative training methods and camera techniques. Director Fred Jackman applied his special effects background to create convincing action scenes featuring Rex the Wonder Horse, including complex stunts and fight sequences. The production utilized multiple cameras to capture horse action from various angles, a relatively advanced technique for a B-western of the era. The film also employed early forms of animal perspective shots, attempting to show scenes from the horse's point of view. The seamless integration of animal performance with human action represented a significant technical challenge that the production met with considerable success.

Music

As a silent film, 'No Man's Law' would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The original score likely consisted of compiled classical pieces and popular songs appropriate for western films, with typical selections including works by composers like Rossini and Verdi, along with period popular songs. Larger theaters might have commissioned original compositions, while smaller venues used stock music. The musical accompaniment would have emphasized action sequences during Rex's heroic moments and provided emotional underscoring for dramatic scenes. No original composed score specifically for this film survives, as was typical for productions of this budget level in 1927.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic sequence where Rex thwarts the thugs' first attempt to harm the prospector by creating a diversion with a herd of wild horses
• The tense standoff where Rex positions himself between the villains and Mary, refusing to let them pass
• The climactic scene where Rex leads a posse to the captured prospector, using his knowledge of the terrain to outsmart the criminals
• The emotional moment where Rex first demonstrates his protective nature by saving Mary from a rattlesnake

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews in 1927 were generally positive, with critics particularly praising Rex the Wonder Horse's performance and intelligence. The Film Daily noted that 'Rex the Wonder Horse proves once again that he is the king of animal stars' and commended the film's exciting action sequences. Variety mentioned that while the plot was conventional, the horse's performance elevated the material beyond typical B-western fare. Modern retrospective assessments recognize the film as a competent example of the silent western genre and an important showcase for Rex the Wonder Horse's abilities. Film historians have noted that while the human performances are adequate, the film's primary interest lies in its documentation of animal star training and performance techniques from the silent era.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded enthusiastically to 'No Man's Law,' particularly fans of westerns and animal pictures. The film performed well in small-town and rural theaters, where westerns were especially popular. Rex the Wonder Horse had developed a loyal following, and his films consistently drew audiences eager to see the horse's latest adventures. Children particularly enjoyed the film, as Rex's heroic actions and clear-cut morality appealed to family audiences. The film's success helped cement Rex's status as one of the most reliable animal stars of the late silent period, though his popularity would wane with the advent of sound films, where animal actors proved more challenging to feature prominently.

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