
The Set-Up 1926
Dive into the gritty world of early Western cinema with *The Set-Up* (1926), a 55-minute silent film directed by Clifford Smith. This tense drama unfolds in a dusty frontier town where suspicion and greed collide.
Director: Clifford Smith
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Set-Up* (1926) about?
*The Set-Up* is a silent Western drama set in a frontier town where a suspicious rancher, Cliff Barton, withdraws his money from the bank and is later killed by hired thugs. Deputy Sheriff Art Stratton, who has ties to the Barton family, is tasked with protecting the ranch while uncovering the truth behind the murder and the corrupt banker pulling the strings.
Who directed *The Set-Up*?
*The Set-Up* was directed by Clifford Smith, a filmmaker known for his work in silent Westerns and early cinema.
Who stars in *The Set-Up*?
The film features Art Acord, Alta Allen, Albert Schaefer, Thomas G. Lingham, and C. Montague Shaw in key roles.
Is *The Set-Up* (1926) worth watching?
*The Set-Up* may not be a household name, but its gripping plot and silent-era craftsmanship make it a compelling watch for fans of classic Westerns. While it lacks the polish of later films, its themes of corruption and resilience stand the test of time, offering a glimpse into the early days of the genre.
How long is *The Set-Up*?
*The Set-Up* runs for 55 minutes.
About The Set-Up (1926) — A Tense Silent Western About Greed and Survival
Dive into the gritty world of early Western cinema with *The Set-Up* (1926), a 55-minute silent film directed by Clifford Smith. This tense drama unfolds in a dusty frontier town where suspicion and greed collide. Cliff Barton, a hardworking rancher, senses danger when the town's banker, Seth Tolliver, begins eyeing his land and fortune. When Barton withdraws his savings from the bank, his suspicions prove fatal—he's murdered by Tolliver's hired thugs. Enter Deputy Sheriff Art Stratton, a loyal friend with a personal stake in the unfolding drama, tasked with guarding Barton's ranch and protecting his daughter, Thora. As Tolliver tightens his grip on the town, Stratton must navigate a web of deceit to uncover the truth and secure justice. With its stark portrayal of corruption and resilience, *The Set-Up* captures the raw, unfiltered spirit of the Wild West.
The film's atmosphere is thick with tension, as alliances shift and trust is betrayed. Shot during the silent era, it relies on expressive performances and atmospheric storytelling to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While the plot may seem straightforward, its themes of greed, loyalty, and survival resonate just as powerfully today as they did in 1926.