The Square Deal Man

"The Square Deal Man," by J. G. Hawks, presents William S. Hart in a role of finer character than many he has assumed in the past and more powerfully presents the complexity of human nature as opposed to the worn-out theatrical idea of one-sided personality. The story also strikes a vigorous note when a fearless clergyman in a rough border town dares tell the "square" gambler, impersonated by Hart, that he is nothing more than a "parasite," a degraded human outcast, existing by contemptible means of getting his living, for there is no meaner and more despicable creature on earth than the professional gambler. This particular gambler has never before had it brought to his attention that the suffering he causes reaches out to innocent women and children; he was under the impression that he was fleecing a certain class of men "born every minute." The tragic death of a man who had lost his entire possessions at the game, leaving penniless a petted daughter in the east for whom he expected to provide. A tremendous and perfectly logical conversion of character follows and the gambler decides to be a real man. He goes to the border ranch he now owns and restores order among Mexican cow punchers with a distinct purpose of handing over the property to the rightful owner when she arrives. Her appearance on the scene as the supposed owner sets up a very interesting situation not sufficiently developed or thrust aside for some mock heroics, but the story holds in spite of its lack of love interest at this stage, possibly because of superb treatment. Ranch life is so adequately pictured that the "atmosphere" of this release is deeply impressive; it is pure artistry. With such artistry of presentation, fine acting by Hart, when he keeps within the limits of human experience and vigorous subject matter, "The Square Deal Man" should prove an attraction on any program. - The Moving Picture World, March 24, 1917