Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of Richard Thorpe
Analyzing Rough Ridin' (1924) requires a deep dive into the defining moment in Western history that Richard Thorpe helped create. Defining a new era of United States artistic expression, it transcends regional boundaries to tell a universal story.
In Rough Ridin', Richard Thorpe pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Richard Thorpe's style and the core Western narrative.
When the brother, Dick Ross (Richard Thorpe), of his sweetheart, Mary Ross (Elsa Benham), is framed by their unscrupulous ranch-foreman, Jack Wells (Joe Rickson), Buddy Benson (Buddy Roosevelt)sets out to bring the foreman to justice, clear is sweetheart's brother, and win the hand of his sweetheart.
Decades after its release, Rough Ridin' remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Richard Thorpe's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.