As the Sun Went Down

Although a female, gunfighter "Colonel Billy" is feared by the men of Rattlesnake Gulch, a mining camp in California. The women, however, won't have anything to do with her because of stories about her "loose ways" during the Gold Rush. One day Gerald Morton, an actor, arrives at the camp from San Francisco with his wife Mabel, their baby and preacher Albert Atherton As a prank, the townspeople send Atherton to board with Billy, who is in love with a gold prospector named Faro Bill. Atherton convinces Billy to change her ways; however, Morton strikes gold, and the resulting news reaches San Francisco and attracts a new and different element to Rattlesnake Gulch, resulting in a need for Billy's skills to be used again.

Directed by E. Mason Hopper, As the Sun Went Down leans on a strong ensemble — Edith Storey, Lew Cody, Zasu Pitts — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1919.