L'homme marqué

In the old west, home-seeker William S. Hart (as Ben Trego) finds a dreamy spot to build, for himself and his twin boys. Unfortunately, there are savage Indians (aka Native Americans) around; obviously, they haven't studied "manifest destiny". To protect his motherless sons from Indians, Mr. Hart blows himself up. Although Hart's pioneer-man is eventually memorialized ("Trego County", "Trego Valley"); his twins are separated, after being sent to an orphanage. They grow up to be William S. Hart (in two additional roles, as Bill Brand and Paul Marsden).

Hart as "Bill Brand" is a rancher; he is affectingly called "Three Word Brand", due to his economy with words. Hart as "Paul Marsden" is the newly elected Governor of Utah. Rancher Hart and partner S.J. Bingham (as George Barton) find the "L7" ranch threatened by nasty neighbor Gordon Russell (as Bull Yeates). Mr. Russell frames Mr. Bingham for murder; and plots to take the "L7" from Hart. Russell's lovely young sister, Jan Novak (as Ethel Barton), is Hart's romantic interest.

It's nice to see Hart in a dual role (not counting his fatherly introduction); however, "Three Word Brand" doesn't really take advantage of its dramatic possibilities. Hart's characterizations are surprisingly one-dimensional for an actor who played "good/bad" duality so memorably; but, the script doesn't offer him much opportunity. Hart's highlights occurs later in the film, when his simple Rancher twin ("Brand") impersonates the more sophisticated Governor twin ("Marsden"). It's nicely photographed, and mostly enjoyable, despite a certain lack of excitement.

****** Three Word Brand (9/25/21) Lambert Hillyer ~ William S. Hart, Jan Novak, J. Gordon Russell

Ben Trego and his twin boys are making their way through Indian territory. When Trego spies Indians about to attack, he sends his sons to safety, and then, surrounded, blows up his wagon and himself. The two boys grow up and follow different paths, unknown to each other. One takes the name Bill Brand, and becomes a rancher. The other takes the name Paul Marsden and becomes governor of Utah. Brand's partner, Barton, is accused of murder by a rival who is anxious to get a water rights bill passed by the Governor, which will put Brand's ranch out of business. Meanwhile, Brand falls for Barton's sister Ethel, who thinks he is a bully. The twins will eventually cross paths as Brand impersonates his brother, seeks to kill the bill, and clear his partner.

This is a solid yarn, and very entertaining. There is not much gunplay, nor is it needed, since the story is enough to keep you interested. There is some welcome humor, such as when Brand poses as Marsden; Marsden's girlfriend mistakes Brand for Marsden and Brand sweats it out, not wanting to give away his identity. Hart does well playing the father and the two grown men. Novak makes a very attractive heroine, but is underused.

There are a few scenes showing Brand and Marsden simultaneously, and they are convincing.

I recommend this film. Incidentally, the title refers to Brand using three words for most of his replies, like "I love you" and "Go to hell."

In addition to Joseph August's attractive location photography and Lambert Hillyer's observant direction, with his scrupulous attention to both the broad and the tiny details (the only item we could fault was the art director's obvious facade for the court house), I'd draw attention to Hillyer's masterful control over the actors. Hart is always on top of his game and never leaves us in doubt as to which of his roles he is playing. Jane Novak makes a most convincing yet attractive heroine while Gordon Russell and Herschel Mayall are villains to the colors born. Oddly, it's none of these – nor even the high-billed yet creditably innocuous S.J. Bingham or the beautifully skillful Collette Forbes – who walk away with the film's acting honors, but George Pearce. Admittedly, he has the most colorful role, but he plays it with the utmost finesse – no doubt helped out by the observant Hillyer. I love the scene in which Pearce is bragging how well he knows every inch of the Trego Valley and the governor, anxious to hire a reliable guide (and who is obviously stunned by the braggart's voracious vocabulary) looks towards the hotelier who is carrying his bags and standing halfway up the stairs. The hotel man keeps a poker face, but nods slightly. Very slightly! Now that's direction! Whoever said Hillyer was a routine Hollywood "B" workman had obviously never seen any of his silent work. Hillyer was one of the most astute yet sensitive directors in the field. And, in my opinion, "Three Word Brand" stands as one of his best films.