a5c7b9f00b Wise-guy carnival barker Windy bilks a group of cowboys out of their money, gets caught and is forced into working off the debt on their ranch. He falls in love with Molly, the pretty owner of the ranch, but runs afoul of foreman Steve, who also loves Molly. WAY OUT WEST is a film designed to be a star vehicle for the controversial WILLIAM HAINES, who was during this time an outspoken gay member of the Hollywood community. He was a talented charmer, capable of natural performances rather than the standard overacting typical of many a silent screen star.<br/><br/>While the film itself may not be a winner, it&#39;s entertaining enough to keep you watching until the happy ending. Haines plays a carnival worker whose crooked ways lead to his capture by a bunch of cowboy roughs who want him to work off his debt to them by doing choresa farmhand. FRANCIS X. BUSHMAN is one of the guys, POLLY MORAN makes a winsome female, and CLIFF EDWARDS has an innocuous supporting role.<br/><br/>It&#39;s strictly standard stuff but interesting to watch Haines at work, creating a character you can&#39;t help but like despite his sordid reputation (in the film). Rumor has it that his being openly gay ruined his career in up tight Hollywood when morality clauses were enforced rather harshly.<br/><br/>Summing up: Definitely worth a look. William Haines plays a brassy carnival barker who gets caught cheating 3 cowboys in a roulette game. His punishment is to work off the debt (after a carny girl steals his money) on a local ranch. Great concept and perfect for the Haines formula, but the film is flat in a couple places and needed a better director. The editing is also bad. But Haines is a delightusual. His silly billy character made a smooth transition to talkies. Haines was one of the most appealing and popular stars of the late 20s and early 30s.<br/><br/>Good cast here with pretty Leila Hyams the ranch owner, Cliff Edwards the hapless cowhand Trilby (whom Haines keeps calling Svengali), Polly MoranPansy the housekeeper, Ralph Bushman the lead cowboy, Charles Middleton the brother, Vera Marshe the carny girl, Jack PennickPete, and Jay Wilsey and Buddy Roosevelt the other cowboys. Ann Dvorak is one of the carny dancers.<br/><br/>Very odd but the carny girls wear the same cannibal outfits in their dance numberthe dancers in the Free and Easy number from the 1930 film of the same name. And Dvorak was a dancer in THAT filmwell (which starred Buster Keaton). MGM recycled the costumes! Minor Haines film and one creditedhis first flop, but still interesting to see this once-major star in action.
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