Fame and Fortune

About This Movie

Fame and Fortune (1918) has this raw, gritty Western feel that's hard to shake. Tom Mix as Clay Burgess brings a rugged charm, and his character's journey back to Palo is both a personal quest and a broader commentary on justice and corruption in small-town America. The pacing feels leisurely yet tense, allowing you to soak in the dusty landscapes and the weight of betrayal. George Nichols as 'Big' Dave Dawley plays a convincing antagonist, his performance adding a palpable menace. The practical effects, while simple by today's standards, lend an authenticity that you can really appreciate, especially in the shootouts. It’s a snapshot of early 20th-century Westerns that captures a certain lawlessness and moral complexity.

Fame and Fortune is a bit of a rarity in collector circles, not just for its vintage but for the way it encapsulates the early Western genre. The film is primarily available on 16mm and has seen limited releases on DVD, making original prints quite sought after. Its scarcity and the presence of Tom Mix, a significant figure in silent cinema, heightens interest among enthusiasts, especially those focused on early Westerns and the evolution of the genre.