The Terror of the Plains - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Mike, the messenger boy, is a great admirer of "Buffalo Bill" stories. The present issue was more, exciting than any other he had read. He lost himself in the story until he fell asleep. But Mike did not lose the thread of the narrative, ...See moreMike, the messenger boy, is a great admirer of "Buffalo Bill" stories. The present issue was more, exciting than any other he had read. He lost himself in the story until he fell asleep. But Mike did not lose the thread of the narrative, even though he was journeying through slumberland. But he grew tired of Buffalo Bill as a hero and decided to play the role himself. Donning his buckskins, boots and spurs and arming himself, he sets out for Death Knell Ranch mounted on his broncho "Spitfire." His arrival is marked by great rejoicing on the part of the assembled cowboys and he further regales himself in their eves by protecting the ranchman's daughter from the insults of a cowpuncher. Mike slapped his face and then kicked him until he begged for mercy. A few days later, evil eyes are looking through a window, watching the wealthy rancher as he counts his gold. In the distance comes the daughter. One glance and she knows her father's danger. Something must be done to break up this diabolical plot. And as though he had divined her thoughts beforehand, our hero rushes up on his steed and halts at her side. Explaining her father's peril, the girl urges him on until they reach the door of the ranch house. But the Mexican cut-throats have anticipated just such an interruption and have carefully locked and barred every door and window. Mike and the girl are foiled for the moment. Then Mike's fertile brain begins to work. One glance at the roof and another at his trusty lariat and the problem is solved. In a moment he has lassoed the chimney and is climbing up. Then, placing a long, keen-edged knife in his teeth, he waves a farewell to the girl far below. One shot from our hero's pistol and seventeen Mexican brigands bite the dust. Then the old man is released and the girl falls fainting in Mike's arms. Spurning the half-dozen sacks of gold offered him by the grateful ranchman, "The Terror" rides away. He has but reached a bend in the road when, glancing hack, he witnesses a terrible sight. A band of bloodthirsty Indians have taken the old man and his daughter prisoners. Wheeling about, he follows in pursuit, struggling to overtake the redskins. Alas! They have bested him in the start. But he reaches the Indian camp in plenty of time to unlimber that awful mowing-machine weapon and, adjusting its delicate mechanism, he takes careful aim and fires. Nineteen savages are hurled into eternity while the rancher and his daughter remain impervious to danger. Mike has graciously given his horse to the father and daughter when suddenly, springing up on every side, he is confronted by more Indians. With a last grin of defiance on his countenance, he again charges the magazine of his arsenal and pulls the trigger. This time two of the devils live on. He chases them on foot up the mountainside. Reaching the edge of the cliff, he overtakes the pair. A twist of the wrist and one is hurled to the jagged rocks below. The other hangs on with a deathlike grip. Nearer and nearer to the brink they draw, and finally both drop into space. As they fall, our hero releases his hold and throws out both arms. Thanks to his excellent presence of mind his fingers clutch a projecting branch and, exerting his wonderful strength, he holds on, poised in mid-air. Now, Mike's dad hears peculiar sounds emanating from his son's room and he drops around to investigate. Presently he hears a crash and bursting open the door he sees a badly scared youth sitting wild-eyed on the floor, his face and hair sprinkled with plaster and in his hands he tightly clutches the gas chandelier, which he has pulled from the ceiling. Mike has finished his story, but the spanking he receives from dad is more welcome than the finish he expected when the protruding branch against the cliff gave way. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less