Summary
In a compelling narrative of moral flux and artistic awakening, Allan Corey, a wordsmith adrift in a creative drought, stumbles upon Mike, a recently paroled ex-convict, delivering a visceral retribution to an individual who mistreated a horse. This raw display of frontier justice sparks an unforeseen connection, prompting Allan to invite Mike on a westward odyssey, a desperate gambit for literary inspiration. Mike, ever the opportunist and still tethered to his criminal past, acquiesces, viewing the journey as a prime opportunity to resume his illicit endeavors. Their travels lead them to the sprawling homestead of Esther Hollister, a setting Mike shrewdly exploits to orchestrate a series of audacious robberies. With a cunning strategic flourish, he deliberately includes four horses in his escapades, a calculated misdirection that cleverly implicates the notorious 'Texas' Jack gang, who are coincidentally lurking in the vicinity. Esther, a woman of principle, finds her admiration for Allan plummeting when he remains a passive observer during a brazen bank robbery. Stung by her disdain and resolute in his desire to prove his inherent valor, Allan embarks on a solo mission, culminating in the single-handed capture of Texas Jack's formidable cohort and the fortuitous discovery of Mike's concealed plunder. This crucible of adventure not only ignites Allan's dormant creative spirit, furnishing him with a rich tapestry of experiences for his nascent novel, but also cements Esther's affection, envisioning a future with her newfound, daring hero. Meanwhile, Mike, a character perpetually teetering between shadows and nascent light, orchestrates the release of the wrongfully accused Texas Jack gang, a testament to an unexpected moral compass. Yet, instead of succumbing to the siren call of his former life, he surprisingly chooses a path of quiet partnership, returning to the ranch and the ambiguous camaraderie he found there.
Synopsis
When Allan Corey, a writer who is out of ideas, encounters Mike beating up a man who abused his horse, he asks Mike to accompany him West for inspiration. Mike, who was recently released from prison, goes along with the idea, but looks for a chance to return to crime as soon as possible. The two stop at the ranch of Esther Hollister where Mike is able to plan a series of robberies. Because he cleverly drags four horses along with him, Mike's crimes are wrongfully attributed to the gang of "Texas" Jack, who are hiding in the vicinity. Esther is disgusted with Allan when he does nothing to stop a bank robbery that they witness, so to prove his mettle, he finds and captures Texas Jack's gang single-handedly, and even finds the loot that Mike hid nearby. The adventure gives Allen great ideas for a new novel and gives Esther ideas to marry her daring hero. Mike, not wanting to see the wrong bandits convicted, releases them from prison one night, but instead of returning to his life of crime, he returns to his partner at the ranch instead.
Review Excerpt
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The Unfolding Tapestry of Choice: A Deep Dive into 'Up or Down?'
In the annals of early cinematic endeavors, certain films emerge not merely as historical artifacts, but as vibrant, pulsating narratives that continue to resonate with a surprising contemporary relevance. Up or Down?, a 1917 production, stands as one such testament to the enduring power of storytelling, particularly within the nascent genre of the Western. It is a film that, despite its century-old vintage, grap..."
