Straight Shooting

This otherwise fairly average silent Western was John Ford's debut as a feature film director. Not too distinguishable from other Westerns of the period (especially those of William S. Hart whom star Harry Carey rather obviously emulated), Straight Shooting tells the story of a bad man (Carey) who's hired by a rancher (Duke R. Lee) to scare a group of dirt farmers off their land. Carey turns into the proverbial good-bad man when he falls for farmer's daughter Molly Malone, and instead of fighting them, helps the farmers against their tormentor. This film was expanded from a 2-reeler into a 5-reel feature film during production, according to some historians a clear proof of Ford's genius even at the tender age of 22. It was more likely the burgeoning popularity of Harry Carey that convinced the powers at be at Universal to expand the film. Straight Shooting) was partially lensed on the Universal back lot's famous Mauser Street and on locations at Newhall, California.