William S. Hart's character is very nearly burned at the stake by Indians in "The Primal Lure" (1916). Never mind that Indians in North America didn't burn people at the stake.

8x10 publicity still or mini lobby card. Partially filmed in Felton, Santa Cruz County, Calif.

Hart is paired with Margery Wilson, who was also his screen partner in another, more famous 1916 picture, "The Return of Draw Egan."

"The Primal Lure" wasn't particularly well received in 1916, and it will never be famous in posterity because it no longer exists. All that's left of it are some publicity materials.

Davis (2003:84) writes:

From Koszarski 1980:44.

Produced by the Triangle Film Corporation under the supervision of Thomas H. Ince; distributed by Triangle; in production December 6, 1915 - February 2, 1916; released May 21, 1916; production cost, $18,968.55; five reels.

Directed by William S. Hart; screenplay by J.G. Hawks from a story by Vingie E. Roe; photographed by Joe August.

CAST: William S. Hart (Angus McConnell); Margery Wilson (Lois Le Moyne); Robert McKim (Richard Sylvester); Jerome Storm (Pierre Vernaisse); Joe Goodboy (Indian Chief).

SYNOPSIS: Angus McConnell is the "factor," or manager, of an outpost of the Hudson Bay Company. Lois Le Moyne, daughter of a trapper at the post, cherishes a secret love for him. Having made him a pair of moccasins, and embroidered his initials on them, she one day slips into his office when she thinks he is out, to leave them in his desk.

But it so happens that McConnell's account book has been stolen, and when he hears her at the door he slips into hiding, thinking he may catch the thief. When he sees the girl go to his desk, he rashly comes to the conclusion that the trappers have hired her to steal his records, and roughly seizes her, accusing her of the theft.

The girl, maddened and heartbroken, indignantly denies the accusation. The factor nevertheless thrusts her into the rough prison of the post, and tells her she shall not come out till she has confessed for whom she stole the book. But there arrives Richard Sylvester, an inspector for the company, who is bewitched by the prisoner, and has hei released. Soon after, he procures the dismissal of the factor, and takes the place himself.

But he does not win the girl. The visitation of a plague and an attack by Indians prove the unworthiness of Sylvester, and McConnell resumes the post left vacant by the other's desertion. The Indians, in overwhelming force, demand a sacrifice to their great spirit, that the plague may abate.

McConnell gives himself, and the story of how he is saved from death at the stake, learns of both the innocence and the love of Lois, and begs at last for a return of that love, makes a series of scenes both thrilling and satisfying. [Primal Lure pressbook, 1916]

REVIEW: We cannot express a very high opinion of this picture, largely because the story on which it is based is so crude and ineffective. Much better stories of the thrilling Indian type can be found in any of the five-cent weeklies so dear to the heart of boyhood and United States Senators. ... For a picture of this kind it has been well produced, although it appeared anything but realistic to see the captive tied to the stake and then have the fire which was to burn him to death built six feet in front of him. The picture contained some very beautiful scenic lo cations, and was effective throughout from a pictorial standpoint. It was not worthy, however, of such a sterling actor of Western roles as William S. Hart. His well known capabilities never had a chance for real expression. [New York Dramatic Mirror, May 13, 1916]