The Man from Painted Post

Plot

As described in a film magazine, Fancy Jim Sherwood (Fairbanks), the man from Painted Post, turns to the business of hunting the bad men who infest the cattle country of Wyoming after desperate character called "30-30" Smith shoots and kills his sister. He becomes proficient in handling a six-shooter and joins the detective force that protects the cattle from rustlers. Continued loss from the Big and Little Laramie district call him hence and, in order to allay suspicion as to his real occupation, he goes in the guise of an Eastern tenderfoot who has purchased a ranch. He soon finds that Bull Madden (Campeau) is responsible for the cattle thefts and that he is also forcing his attentions on Jane Forbes (Percy), a girl school teacher from the East. Sherwood falls in love with her and naively suggests that she "needs some protection - a - a - a watch dog, for instance." Sherwood soon finds out that Madden is none other than "30-30" Smith, and renews his efforts to place the man under arrest. While attempting to steal some "V" ranch cattle, Madden are captured by Sherwood's men in a battle at a deserted cave where Madden and his gang have hidden the school teacher. There follows the usual sunset and fade out as with Sherwood and Jane ride into the west together.

Cast

Production

The Man from Painted Post was filmed in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where many early film studios in America's first motion picture industry were based at the beginning of the 20th century. Location photography consisting of scenes of cattle country was taken near Laramie, Wyoming at Jelm.