The Heart of Texas Ryan (Light of the Western Stars- 1917)

The Heart of Texas Ryan (1917) is a well disguised rendition of Zane Grey's Light of Western Stars. Tom Mix plays a character colorfully named Single Shot Parker and Bessie Eyton portraying his love interest, Texas Ryan.  Certainly, the names of these characters stray far from Gene Stewart and Madeline "Majesty" Hammond who were the mercurial lovers in The Light of Western Stars.  Those familiar with the story will perhaps be less than comfortable with the storyline early in the film, but will easily recognize the dramatic closing scenes of the movie. 

Those interested in comparing the movie with the novel are fortunate to have the opportunity to read the novel here and view the film here. 

Bessie [Harrison] Eyton was in over 200 silent films between 1911 and 1925 including The Heart of Texas Ryan (1917) where she comprised the title role.  At the time, she was under contract with Selig Polyscope Company who produced the film.  Eyton disappeared in 1935 and was not heard of again until her death in 1965. (Source: Wikipedia)