Summary
In the untamed expanse of the American West, where rugged individualism often clashed with nascent societal structures, 'By Indian Post' unfurls a surprisingly intricate tale of forbidden affection and unforeseen intervention. Jode McWilliams, the steadfast foreman of the Circle O ranch, finds himself ensnared by an unyielding devotion to Peg, the spirited daughter of the formidable ranch patriarch, Pa Owens. Their union, however, is vehemently opposed by the elder Owens, whose paternal decree casts a long shadow over their burgeoning romance. Undeterred, Jode, with the awkward assistance of Stumpy, the ranch's culinary artist, endeavors to articulate his profound sentiments in a heartfelt missive. This tender declaration, unfortunately, becomes a cruel jest when it falls into the hands of mischievous cowhands, who, with boisterous intent, prominently display it on a door for all to ridicule. Yet, destiny, in its peculiar wisdom, intercedes through the unexpected agency of Two Horns, a Native American individual, who, rather than perpetuating the jest, absconds with the letter and, in a twist of fate, delivers it directly into Peg's hands. The subsequent pursuit, a dramatic chase involving Jode and his posse hot on the trail of the 'facetious redskin,' culminates in a tense confrontation at the Owens' homestead. Here, the truth, having arrived by an unconventional messenger, has already been revealed to Pa Owens. A visceral showdown ensues, leaving a defeated Jode captive. His plight, however, is short-lived, as his loyal compatriot, Chub, orchestrates a daring escape. With the timely intervention of a benevolent parson, the star-crossed lovers are swiftly united in matrimony, embarking on a ride into the horizon, leaving behind the vanquished patriarch and journeying towards their hard-won happiness.
Synopsis
Jode McWilliams, the foreman of Circle O, is in love with Peg, the daughter of Pa Owens, the owner of the ranch. The trouble is that daddy won't allow! Which does not stop Jode from wanting to marry Peg. He asks Stumpy, the cook, to help him write a love letter to the lady of his heart. The other cowhands find it and, with a view to making fun of Jode, nail it to the door. Two Horns, an Indian, steals it and ... delivers it to Peg. When Jode and his posse, pursuing the facetious redskin, arrive at the Owenses' house, Jode's boss has already found out. A showdown ensues and the young man, who has lost the fight, is made prisoner and held in a room. But he is rescued by his pal Chub and a helpful parson marry the two lovebirds. Away they ride from the reluctant father towards happiness.
Review Excerpt
"
Step back into the nascent days of cinema, a period brimming with raw innovation and storytelling that often transcended the limitations of silence with sheer visual poetry. Among the myriad cinematic offerings of 1919, a year that saw the world grappling with the aftermath of a global war and the dawn of new cultural paradigms, emerges 'By Indian Post'. This silent Western, penned by the collaborative efforts of H. Tipton Steck and William Wallace Cook, isn't merely a relic; it’s a vibrant..."
