Western Cowboy Classic: Thundering Thompson (1929)Thundering Thompson is a silent western filmed in the nineteen twenties. The dashing Cheyenne Bill, one of the most under appreciated cowboy stars in history, must fight his way through terrible perils in order to set things right. Bill is a deputy sheriff, and the sheriff sends him to arrest a beautiful young girl (Neva Gerber). Upon arriving, Bill learns that the sheriff is corrupt and only wants to steal the girl’s land. Never one to stand aside, Cheyenne Bill is willing to fight everyone in town to save both the girl’s property and honor. A film that was almost meant to be silent, the treasure in Thundering Thompson comes from its well choreographed and well executed action sequences, without stuntmen. It’s a joy to watch the heroic Cheyenne Bill fights no matter the odds, no matter the terrain, the memorable climactic struggle breaking out in a river!
