Sagebrush Hamlet, A

Alternative title: Sage Brush Hamlet, A
Synopsis: Feature film and one of the first to set Shakespeare in a Western setting. Larry Lang (Desmond) has carried the memory of his father’s killing by Claude Dutton (Peil) since his youth and is determined to avenge the crime. The townspeople of the small Western border town believe Larry is "plumb locoed" because he employs a rowdy gang of cowpunchers for only a few head of cattle. Dutton is ensconced in Bottle Canyon, the neck of which is constantly guarded by his men. When Dutton’s henchman, Two-Gun Dan, fails to capture Larry, Dutton attempts the job himself. Meanwhile, Larry’s cousin Dora Lawrence (Marguerite de la Motte) arrives to make her home with Larry who is to be her guardian. Larry’s men are absent, and while Mexican bandit Pedro holds Dora, Dutton searches for a large sum of money hidden in Larry’s bed. Larry returns and kills Dutton; then a romance develops between Larry and Dora. [Synopsis supplied by Library and Archives Canada].
Country: United States
Medium: Film
Technical information: Black-and-white / Silent
Year of release: 1919
Duration: 40 mins; 3649 feet

Director

Joseph J. Franz

Producer

Jesse D. Hampton

Cinematographer

Harry W. Gerstad

Screenplay

George Elwood Jenks

Cast

Notes: The Library of Congress and National Archives of Canada copies are incomplete.
General: Sources differ regarding the screenplay writer, K.A. Anderson is also credited with the writing.

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