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A Messenger to Kearney
(1912) United States of America
B&W : Short film
Directed by Fred Huntley
Cast: Hobart Bosworth [Clay Davis], Harry Ennis [Will Owens, the first trapper], Robert Chandler (James Robert Chandler) [Jim Farron, the second trapper], A.E. Garcia (Al Ernest Garcia) [Palo Vasquez], Frank Richardson [Jose Morello, Isabel’s father], Edward H. Philbrook [Commissioner Kearney], William H. Stratton [Chico, an Indian runner], Phyllis Gordon [Isabel Morello], Anna Dodge [Senora Morello, Isabel’s mother], Camille Astor [Mona, the Indian maid]
The Selig Polyscope Company, Incorporated, production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by William N. Selig. From a screen story by Everett McNeil. / Released 12 August 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Historical.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Clay Davis is a famous scout and hunter who accompanies Fremont on his expedition into California in 1846. These are the tumultuous days just preceding the conquest of the Golden State by the Americans, and while Fremont and his command are in the vicinity of Monterey, word is received that the war is on and Gen. Kearney is marching up from the southwest to occupy the state. It becomes necessary for Fremont to dispatch Davis with a message to Kearney. The ride is a long and dangerous one. During its progress, Davis comes across a picnic party of Californians who are not yet aware that actual war exists, and he is welcomed into their midst with more or less courtesy. One of the party is the beautiful Isabel Morello of Monterey, and she and Davis fall in love. Before he continues on his secret mission, he is invited by her to rest at her father’s house in Monterey. He is so attracted by her that he takes the chance. A ball is on at Don Morello’s that night. Palo Vasquez, a Mexican army officer in love with Isabel, learns of the purpose of Davis’ mission, and lays a plot to rob him of his papers. Isabel discloses the plot to Davis just in time to allow him to mount and flee with his escort. Palo Vasquez pursues with Mexican troops, but is routed in the hills by the sturdy scouts under Davis. Davis reaches Kearney safely. In the meantime Don Morello has decreed that Isabel must marry Palo. She is desperate and dispatches a note to Davis, telling him of her plight. He makes a desperate ride to Monterey, and takes her from the very arms of the Mexican, who shows the white feather and refuses to fight the American.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 7 December 2024.
References: Lahue-Selig p. 103 : Website-IMDb.
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