Summary
In the dusty expanse of the 1920s American West, 'My Pal' explores the redemptive power of empathy through an unlikely partnership. When the sadistic Red Barrett shoots a wild stallion named Star, the animal is left for dead until the compassionate Dick Hammond intervenes. Hammond’s patient care transforms the once-feral beast into a loyal companion, a bond that becomes the film's emotional backbone. As Dick integrates into the Miller ranch, he finds himself caught in a web of domestic and financial treachery. The ranch's foreman, Jim Bledso, is not only a thief embezzling thousands from his employer but also a predatory suitor for the boss's daughter, Marion. The narrative shifts from a pastoral animal-rehabilitation story into a high-stakes western thriller when Bledso’s crimes are uncovered, leading to a violent confrontation where the boundaries between human intelligence and animal instinct blur. Ultimately, the film is a study of loyalty, proving that the most reliable 'pal' in a world of human greed is the one who cannot speak.
Synopsis
Red Barrett, a brutal cowhand, shoots at Star, a beautiful wild stallion, and wounds him in the thigh. Dick Hammond, who chances upon the horse, gives him water and cares for his wounds; Star, who has known no human kindness for years, becomes devoted to the gentle cowpoke. After a few weeks, Star's wound has healed, and Dick rides him proudly to the Miller ranch, where the newly-tamed stallion is greeted with wonder. Jim Bledso, Miller's foreman, who has been embezzling money from his boss, asks Miller for the hand of his daughter, Marion. Miller consents, but the willful girl, who is in love with Dick, turns him down. The following day, Miller receives notice that his bank account, which should have held $40,000, is overdrawn. He immediately suspects Bledso and is confiding his fears to Dick when Jim walks in and gets the drop on the men, tying them up. Star unties Dick's bonds, and Dick goes after Jim and the other cowhands, finding them in the act of dividing Miller's money. Dick and the cowhands fight, and he is about to be beaten when Miller arrives with the sheriff's men. Jim is arrested, Miller makes Dick the new foreman, and Dick makes Marion his wife.
Review Excerpt
"Should you invest your time in a century-old silent western about a smart horse? Short answer: yes, but only if you appreciate the raw, unpolished roots of the 'animal hero' subgenre. This is a film that prioritizes the charisma of its equine lead over the complexity of its human script.It is specifically for viewers who enjoy the historical lineage of films like Lassie or Rin Tin Tin. It is definitely not for those who require modern pacing or nuanced character arcs. It is a product of its time..."
