Four gunmen plan to rob a train, not only of its cargo, such as money, but the valuables on the possession of the passengers. They are not averse to shooting to kill anyone who is out of line, which includes anyone not listening to their instructions. To pull off their plan, they have to subdue the manager of the station where they plan to board the train, board without anyone noticing that they are doing so, subdue anyone guarding the cargo, and take over the engine so that they stop the train to corral the passengers in one area while they are being robbed, and then make their getaway. Even if they are able to get to this stage, they may have to deal with those who now know what they've done, a posse which very well may be on its way. The clerk at the train station is assaulted and left tied by four men, then they rob the train threatening the operator. (They) take all the money and shoot a passenger when trying to run away. A little girl discovers the clerk tied and gives notice to the sheriff, who at once goes along with his men hunting the bandits. A group of bandits stage a brazen train hold-up, only to find a determined posse hot on their heels.<br/><br/>At only ten minutes, in black and white, with no sound… modern audiences may not think much of this simple train story. Heck, even the "special effect" of throwing the man (clearly a dummy) off the train is silly. Modern audiences who think this are dead wrong.<br/><br/>Released in 1903, the film looks like it could have been from the 1920s. The film quality is amazing and there is nothing about it that gives the film away as one of the earliest films ever made. Sure, technically, they had been making movies for more than a few years… but if there is one that came out earlier and looked this good, I sure have not seen it. Interesting. This movie seems like it is a serial not a feature. Hard to see anything.
Javakamm replied
295 weeks ago