Big Stakes

Devil-may-care buckaroo J.B. Warner (as Jim Gregory) is torn between two pretty women: south-of-the-border Senorita Elinor Fair (as Mercedes Aloyez) catches his romantic eye - but, beautiful Caucasian waitress-in-distress Wilamae Carson (as Mary Moore) also captures his attention. Probably, the weakest part of the story involves how the women become a dilemma for Mr. Warner, because he is scripted to favor Ms. Fair almost exclusively; Ms. Moore unexpectedly attains an equal romantic status, later in the running. And, Warner's selection seems strangely xenophobic.

Despite its shortcomings, "Big Stakes" is an enjoyable, well-paced silent western. The handcuffed "big stake" opening leads a to few clever bits, and the cast performs them very well. The climax provides some old-fashioned D.W. Griffith-styled excitement. Tall-in-the-saddle Warner is comically supported by rotund ton-of-fun Hilliard Karr (as "Skinny" Fargo). This film provides a rare look at Warner, a western star who died unexpectedly. Les Bates and Robert Grey, the actors playing the two main villains, also died too soon.

****** Big Stakes (8/15/22) Clifford S. Elfelt ~ J.B. Warner, Elinor Fair, Hilliard Karr