User reviews

We can promise a big punch in a coming three-part special picture by Kalem. It is entitled, "The Invaders," and is an illustration of a very popular novel of that name by John Lloyd. It deals with the antagonism between cowmen, who have been depending on a wild country to feed their herds, and homesteaders, who fence off sections of grazing land and places where cattle can drink. Cowmen and farmers can't live together; to have the homesteaders come means death to the cattlemen's business, so, by their very necessities, a fight is inevitable. The story takes sides with the farmers, as it was necessary to take one side or the other in a drama. Its object is first to work up indignation in the spectator against the cowmen. It makes him warmly partisan by getting him acquainted with a lot of good fellows, friends of the hero, who are homesteaders. It is a well staged picture. The players do commendable, natural work, but with no real character drawings, although "the Killer," by Paul Hurst, will be surely noticed. It is effective. Jane Wolfe, as the Sage Hen, is also good in her emotional work, but perhaps not so clear in her character drawing as usual. She is one of the really strong actresses. Marin Sais plays the heroine with her usual charm and is very natural in this role. Carlyle Blackwell is also very good in his part, the hero, but we have liked him more in other roles. William West is the financier; Charles French, his foreman (a good choice for the role); James Home, "Uncle Billy," a friendly rancher; Knute Rahmn and Rhys Pryce are two western characters. It is an offering full of excitement, with spacious theme in its story of big things out of doors. Even a critical audience will enjoy it. - The Moving Picture World, August 23, 1913