When crooks murder a man who has discovered a gold mine, rancher Tom Rigby (Tom Mix) steps in to ensure that the man’s young daughter will inherit. The arrival of the girl’s aunt (Lois Wilson) gives the crooks an opportunity to make their play, leading to a desert trek that strands the party — Tom, the aunt, and the two crooks — without water in the middle of the desert. Greed leads to a desperate situation, and Tom must turn to his horse, Tony, to try to get word to rescuers, in a grim but moving scene. Mix is excellent in the lead, and the bad guys (Fred Kohler and Forrest Stanley) acquit themselves well, too, as does Wilson.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.

Movie 231 for 2021.