The Ridin' Demon
| The Ridin' Demon | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ray Taylor |
| Written by | Basil Dickey |
| Produced by | William Lord Wright |
| Starring | Ted Wells Kathleen Collins Lucy Beaumont |
| Cinematography | Joseph Brotherton |
| Edited by | Gene Havlick |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 5 reels |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
The Ridin' Demon is a 1929 Western film directed by Ray Taylor. It was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures.[1]
Plot
Pat Riordan, long absent from home and known as The Ridin' Demon, sauntered into the saloon in Gunsight. Sitting in on a card game,he was caught cheating. A fight ensued but Pat,although slightly wounded, managed to escape. Stopping at a secluded stream to bathe his wound, he encountered a charming girl having a refreshing dip. Marie Devon quickly retreated but when she discovered the stranger was wounded, came to his assistance.
Meanwhile Dan Riordan, Pat's twin brother, riding toward town, ran into the sheriff and learned he was looking for a man who greatly resembled Dan. Realizing they were trailing his ne'Sr-do-well brother, Dan rode anxiously on. Suddenly he came upon Pat and Marie. Explanations were in order for Marie, who was Dan’s sweetheart,had never heard of Pat. Between them they managed to get Pat home,where his devoted and unsuspecting mother was awaiting a long promised visit from him.
News came to the sheriff of Pat's whereabouts and after nightfall he came after him. Dan, wishing to protect his brother, exchanged clothes with him and lead the sheriff a merry chase while Marie rode at top speed and showed Pat a shortcut to the border.Success crowned their efforts and Marie and Dan were able to preserve the illusions of a loving mother.[2]
Cast
- Ted Wells as Dan/Pat Riordan
- Kathleen Collins as Marie
- Lucy Beaumont as Mrs. Riordan
- Otto Bibber as Sheriff
Reception
A contemporary review in The Film Daily praised both Ted Wells' performance, and the directing.[3] On the other hand, a review from Billboard criticized the lack of a story and slow action, calling it "worthy only as a grind's last resort".[4]
Preservation status
According to the Library of Congress, the film is lost.[1]
References
- ^ a b "The Ridin' Demon (1929)". American Film Institute. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ "The Ridin' Demon". Library of Congress. Retrieved December 18, 2025. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "The Riding Demon". The Film Daily. Vol. 49, no. 29. August 4, 1929. p. 9. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
- ^ "The Ridin' Demon". Billboard. Vol. 41, no. 32. August 10, 1929. p. 22. Retrieved December 18, 2025.