Summary
Don Dare Devil" thrusts audiences into a turbulent South American frontier, where the veneer of law and order is constantly challenged by raw, untamed forces. Jack Bannister, returning to his ancestral home with a retinue of rugged Wyoming cowboys, is immediately drawn into a brutal conflict. At a local fiesta, the celebratory atmosphere shatters as his old friend, Menocal, is callously murdered by Bud Latham, an American bandit who operates with brazen impunity, shielded by the corrupt local sheriff, Berengo. This act of violence ignites Bannister's resolve, propelling him into a relentless pursuit of Latham. His quest leads him through the dusty, sun-baked landscape, where he discovers Latham already engaged in a dangerous game with another local outlaw, José Remado. Following a visceral, no-holds-barred whip fight where Bannister decisively bests Latham, the narrative takes a twist. Remado is subsequently incarcerated by the opportunistic Berengo, prompting Remado's beautiful daughter, Ynez, to appeal to Bannister for help. Disguising himself as a peon, Bannister masterfully infiltrates Berengo's office, orchestrating Remado's daring escape. However, the momentary triumph is short-lived as Latham, fueled by vengeance and a predatory desire, kidnaps Ynez. Bannister, joined by his loyal cowboys, embarks on a desperate chase, culminating in a furious revolver battle against Latham's gang and a final, brutal hand-to-hand confrontation with Latham himself within the confines of a dark cave, where Bannister ultimately secures Ynez's freedom, bringing a fragile peace back to the lawless land.
Synopsis
Jack Bannister returns to his home in South America, bringing with him some Wyoming cowboys. At a fiesta, he meets Menocal, an old friend, who is murdered moments later by Bud Latham, an American bandit under the protection of the local sheriff, a rascal named Berengo. Jack sets out after Latham and finds the killer trailing another outlaw, José Remado. Jack catches up with Latham and whips him in a brutal fight. The following day, Remado is jailed by Berengo, and Jack is persuaded by Remado's beautiful daughter, Ynez, to help her father escape from jail. Jack disguises himself as a peon, slips into Berengo's office, and frees Remado. In the meantime, Latham and his gang kidnap Ynez. Jack gives chase to the bandits with his Wyoming buddies, and there is a great revolver battle with the desperadoes. Jack rescues Ynez after a tough fight with Latham in a cave.
Review Excerpt
"Short answer: yes, but with significant caveats. "Don Dare Devil" is a historical artifact, a fascinating glimpse into early Hollywood's attempt at crafting a silent action epic, and it absolutely delivers on its promise of thrilling chases and daring feats. However, it's a film primarily for the dedicated silent film enthusiast, the historian of early Westerns, or anyone curious about the foundational elements of cinematic storytelling. It is emphatically not for the casual viewer expecting mod..."
