I wish to add to the positive reviews here of this fine B-western of 1932, "Without Honor" (no s on Honor on the opening credit). This is a delightful but mostly serious film with an interesting array of characters brought to us by some notable actors, including Mae Busch, who somehow found her way into this one and adds some excellent moments to the goings-on. Both Ms. Busch and Mr. Carey have that "silent era" stamp on their acting. Little Mary Jane Irving gives a spunky portrayal of a cute and spirited girl in distress. Veterans Tom London and good ol' Lafe McKee are valued, too. But it is Harry Carey who once again shows what magnetism he carried on screen. His acting is commanding but nuanced, and his little embellishments and subtle gestures, like flicking at his cigarette in the bar or looking down at his sleeve while talking, just remind us of what a pro he was.
His magnificent voice and his authentic presence combine in the film's final three minutes to make one of the finest wrap-up commentaries to be seen in movies. You get the feeling from watching this charismatic older gentleman of the West move carefully about that everyone would respectfully get out of his way. But such is not the case, as he must remind us and them in this picture that he is not to be tangled with...he without hesitation shoots his gun with accuracy and conviction, deservedly punches out a few guys, uses a rope as a whip to teach a bad guy a lesson, risks drowning to save a damsel in distress, and even leaps from a balcony to drop onto his saddled horse before galloping off!
The film has a great opening scene as two brothers happen upon one-another in the middle of a stream where they go on to discuss their recent life situations. Watch how Carey, as one of the brothers, marvelously fiddles with and adjusts his gloves as he talks. The film's tone is thus set with a fascinating exchange of words as water laps at the horses' legs . The film's serious and tense tone is confirmed a few scenes later when Mae Busch watches admiringly and carefully the movements in her bar of the entering Mr. Carey...it's all in the eyes! Wow-- this is really something! The takes are often long in this film but yet beautifully performed-- for example, the discussion between Lafe McKee and Mr. Carey in the Texas Rangers' office-- very powerfully played, as the actors use their bodies and their voiced lines.
The story is involving and suspenseful, most of the acting convincing, the direction and cinematography crisp and thoughtful, and the sets perfect (I always appreciate a staircase with no railings). Even the little town's central business district is charming with a big, wide main street and chimneys far away puffing smoke. This is a "yardstick" B-western, one by which others can be measured. Be sure to find time to watch it!
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