Summary
Set against the sun-scorched backdrop of New Mexico’s tungsten mines, *Mr. Logan, U.S.A.* weaves a taut tale of industrial ambition and clandestine treachery. William Morton, affectionately dubbed Uncle Billy, presides over his mine with paternal authority, his operations surging as global conflict demands his mineral wealth. Into this fragile equilibrium strides Gage, a cunning operative whose German allegiance fuels a sabotage plot, aided by the mine’s superintendent. His antagonist, Jim Logan, emerges as a rugged defender of order—rescuing Suzanne from a serpentine attack and later thwarting Gage’s insidious manipulations. The narrative pivots on dual axes: the miners’ strike, orchestrated to cripple production, and the personal entanglements of Logan with Suzanne and the enigmatic Dolly Dugan. As Gage’s machinations escalate—from framing Logan to kidnapping Suzanne—the film crescendos in a showdown of physical and moral fortitude, resolving not merely with the capture of antagonists but the revelation of Logan and Dolly as covert agents, their patriotism entwined with a subversive wit. The film’s strength lies in its concise pacing, leveraging stark desert landscapes to amplify tension, while its ensemble—despite limited screen time—imbues each role with a blend of archetypal grit and proto-film-noir intrigue.
Synopsis
In New Mexico, one of the large tungsten mines is owned and operated by William Morton, affectionately known by his associates and employees as Uncle Billy Morton. At the outbreak of the war, he increases his activities as this metal is of great value to the Government for war purposes. Uncle Billy lives near the shaft of the mine with his niece Suzanne. When things at the mine are humming, a man giving his name as Gage arrives in the town. He is in reality an agent of the German government, come with the purpose of instigating a strike among the miners. His accomplice turns out to be the superintendent of the mine. About the same time, Jim Logan comes to town. He shortly wins Suzanne's gratitude and admiration by shooting a Gila monster as it is about to strike at her and then rescuing her from a perilous position on the side of a cliff, where in her nervous fright she fell. Gage is successful in persuading the miners to call a strike, but Logan succeeds in frustrating his plot for the present by breaking up the meeting. To discredit him with Suzanne, Gage circulates stories about his relations in a public place with chorus girl Dolly Dugan. Uncle Billy is beset by four of the plotters and is rescued by Logan. But Gage again plays against him. On a trumped up charge Logan is arrested by the sheriff. Dolly aids in his escape. Gage kidnaps Suzanne and lays plans to blow up the mine. But Logan at last gains the upper hand. He routs the strikers with the assistance of some mule skinners and their animals and captures Gage and Suzanne after a long pursuit. Only then does he disclose the fact that he and Dolly are Secret Service operatives and so, of course, all ends happily.
Motion Picture News, September 28, 1918
Review Excerpt
"body{background:#000;color:#fff;font-family:Georgia,serif;}.heading{color:#C2410C;font-size:24px;margin-top:30px;}.subheading{color:#EAB308;font-size:18px;margin-top:20px;}.highlight{color:#0E7490;}A Clash of Shadows and Light: Dissecting *Mr. Logan, U.S.A.*When *Mr. Logan, U.S.A.* (1918) rolls its opening reel, it’s not merely the creak of a projectionist’s reel that signals impending tension but the rustle of tungsten dust in the New Mexican winds. Directed with a lean, no-nonsense precision b..."
