The Bargain (Silent)

Notorious Jim Stokes, "The Two-Gun Man," is badly wounded following a botched hold-up. His unconscious body is discovered by Phil Brent, a prospector. While recovering from his wounds, Jim falls in love with his nurse, Phil's lovely daughter Nell, and the two are wed. When the sheriff catches wind of his whereabouts, Jim is forced to flee from his young wife, and head for the border. Although the sheriff manages to take Jim prisoner, fate will intervene and cause the two enemies to strike a terrible bargain - one that will test the mettle of both of their souls.

William S. Hart began as a highly acclaimed Shakespearean actor on Broadway who entertained no aspiration for movie acting prior to age 49. A major western buff, he purchased Billy The Kid's pistols and boasted friendships with both Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. Partnering with producer Thomas Ince in 1915, Hart went on to star in and direct dozens of memorable westerns. The Bargain features a most unusual title sequence and beautiful location photography of Arizona's Grand Canyon.

The Bargain was named to the Library of Congress' National Film Registry in 2010 because of "Hart's charisma, the film's authenticity and realistic portrayal of the Western genre and the star's good/bad man role as an outlaw attempting to go straight."

The great Hart's first starring role has him playing an outlaw who hangs up his guns to hang on to his freedom. Silent.