Lash of the Whip

"Hurricane" Smith (Francis Ford), head of a steamship company, plots to keep the railroad from entering the city. The map of the proposed route becomes the instrument by which Blake (Frank Baker) and Florence (Florence Gilbert) become targets of Smith's gang. Smith, however, didn't account for Pinto Pete (Ashton Dearholt), he of the spotted hand-- A wanted, whip-wielding rogue who comes to Florence's rescue.

Directed by Francis Ford, Lash of the Whip leans on a strong ensemble — Ashton Dearholt, Harry Dunkinson, Florence Gilbert — 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 adventure titles of 1924.