
The Strange Boarder 1920
Directed by Clarence G. Badger, *The Strange Boarder* (1920) is a gripping silent-era Western that blends crime and drama in a story of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
Director: Clarence G. Badger
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Strange Boarder* (1920) about?
*The Strange Boarder* follows Sam Gardner, an honest Arizona rancher who loses his savings to swindlers after moving to the city with his young son. Desperate to recover his fortune, he enters the shadowy world of gambling, where he becomes entangled in a violent love triangle and a fatal confrontation in a high-class gambling den.
Who directed *The Strange Boarder*?
*The Strange Boarder* was directed by Clarence G. Badger, a prolific filmmaker known for his work in silent-era cinema, who brought a keen eye for tension and character drama to the project.
Who stars in *The Strange Boarder*?
The film stars Will Rogers as Sam Gardner, alongside Irene Rich, Jimmy Rodgers, James Mason, and Doris Pawn in key roles.
Is *The Strange Boarder* (1920) worth watching?
While it's a silent-era Western with limited mainstream recognition, *The Strange Boarder* offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century filmmaking, with strong performances and a compelling, if dark, storyline. Silent film enthusiasts and fans of classic Westerns will particularly appreciate its raw atmosphere and thematic depth.
How long is *The Strange Boarder*?
The Strange Boarder has a runtime of 50 minutes.
About The Strange Boarder (1920) — Silent-Era Crime Drama with Will Rogers
Directed by Clarence G. Badger, *The Strange Boarder* (1920) is a gripping silent-era Western that blends crime and drama in a story of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Set in a bustling city where honesty feels like a relic, honest rancher Sam Gardner arrives with his young son Billy, only to be swindled out of his life savings by a ruthless gang of con artists. Struggling to reclaim his fortune, Sam turns to the high-stakes world of gambling, where he crosses paths with the enigmatic Kittie Hinch. As alliances shift and tensions rise, a violent confrontation erupts in a high-society gambling den, leaving Sam caught in a dangerous web of deceit and violence.
With its stark contrasts between rural simplicity and urban corruption, the film explores themes of trust, justice, and the lengths one will go to protect family. Badger's direction infuses the narrative with a palpable tension, while the silent-era performances—led by Will Rogers—deliver raw emotion without a single spoken word. A compelling snapshot of early 20th-century cinema, *The Strange Boarder* remains a hidden gem for fans of classic Westerns and silent films alike.