The Deadline
Directed by David HartfordJohn Ross is a brutal cattle king. His son, Harry, something of a gentleman, loves Mabel, daughter of Jones, a sheepman. Ross, his father, is also attracted to her. Ross and Jones clash. Ross strikes the sheepman over the head with the butt end of his revolver and kills him. Harry, fearing his father will cause trouble, follows him. He finds the body of Jones. While he is examining it, he is joined by a sheepherder. The sheepherder gives the alarm. The war is on. He reports to the sheriff that Harry killed Jones. Ross rides back to his ranch, realizing that his act will precipitate war. He calls all his employees together and plans a campaign. Harry enters and sees evidences of the fight with Jones on the butt of his father's revolver. On a shallow pretext, he exchanges revolvers with his father. Harry is arrested. The cattle war is now in full sway. Flocks are butchered. Camp equipment is burned, with the result that the dry grass of the prairie catches fire. The sheepmen assemble in a cabin with their families for a last stand. On the way to town, Harry sees the fire, realizes that the girl is in it and escapes to rescue her. He falls unconscious amid the ruins of her home. The sheriff carries the news to Ross that his son is in the flames. An undiscovered emotion rises in Ross. His brutal spirit vanishes and he rushes to save his boy. Mabel arrives at the sheepman's hut. Ross rides in with his son over his saddle. The sheriff arrives and rearrests Harry. Harry is willing to assume the fault of his father, but the father confesses and is arrested. The girl goes away with Harry.
Where to Watch The Deadline
