Charley Raymond, college athlete, is disowned by his father, has his clothes stolen by a hobo, assumes latter's garments and the nickname of "Chuck" and is thrown off a freight train. He meets and loves Mary Bowser, ranch-man's daughter and wins a race against a fast horse.


Is This Silent Sprint Still Worth Watching Today?Is Nine and Three-Fifths Seconds worth watching today? Short answer: yes, but with significant caveats. This 1925 silent film, starring real-life Olympic sprinter Charles Paddock, offers a fascinating glimpse into early cinematic storytelling and the undeniable star powe...

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Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.

Lloyd B. Carleton

Lloyd B. Carleton
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Nine and Three-Fifths Seconds plunges us into the tumultuous journey of Charley Raymond, a promising college athlete whose life takes an abrupt turn when paternal disapproval and an unexpected act of theft strip him of his identity and standing. Forced into the guise of a vagabond, adopting the moniker 'Chuck,' he finds himself ejected from a freight train, a symbolic fall from grace. This enforced anonymity leads him to the rustic charm of a ranch, where he encounters Mary Bowser, a spirited rancher's daughter, sparking a romance that grounds his new existence. His athletic prowess resurfaces in an improbable race against a horse, a moment of triumph foreshadowing his true potential. However, their nascent happiness is shattered by Mary's abduction by a jealous rival, propelling Charley into a desperate, foot-bound pursuit to reclaim her. The narrative culminates in his triumphant return to his former life, not just as a rescuer, but as a world-record-breaking Olympian, ultimately securing Mary’s hand and his rightful place.
"Is This Silent Sprint Still Worth Watching Today?Is Nine and Three-Fifths Seconds worth watching today? Short answer: yes, but with significant caveats. This 1925 silent film, starring real-life Olympic sprinter Charles Paddock, offers a fascinating glimpse into early cinematic storytelling and the undeniable star power of athletic heroes, making it a compelling watch for film historians and silent era aficionados. However, its often simplistic narrative and melodramatic pacing will likely deter..."
Roy Clements
United States


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