
Shadows of the West
“A stupendous action drama”
Synopsis
California cowpuncher Jim Kern and his pal enlist in the war against Germany and, shortly thereafter, meet Frank Akuri, who has pledged to colonize the United States for his homeland, Japan. While Jim and other white males are fighting in France, Akuri forces Jim's sweetheart Mary to sell her ranch, as she is not able to run it because the only men left, the Japanese, have pledged not to work for the whites. With the ranch, Akuri begins his colony. Mary counters by organizing her society women friends to appeal to Congress against the "yellow menace." When it seems that his plans will be thwarted, Akuri issues orders for the death of Mary and her friends, but Jim and his pal return and rescue them. Akuri then kidnaps Mary and takes her to his apartment, but with the help of Akuri's wronged Japanese lover, Jim learns her whereabouts. He organizes a posse of American Legion locals and rescues Mary just as Akuri is about to murder her. Akuri's group is routed out.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
August 1, 1921
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Paul Hurst
- Screenplay & Story
- Seymour Zeliff, James Dayton
- Original Title
- Shadows of the West
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 50m
- Production Studios
- Cinema Craft, The Motion Picture Association (MPA)
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Paul Hurst
Seymour Zeliff, James Dayton
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Hurst
Director
James Dayton
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Shadows of the West.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shadows of the West
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Shadows of the West about?
California cowpuncher Jim Kern and his pal enlist in the war against Germany and, shortly thereafter, meet Frank Akuri, who has pledged to colonize the United States for his homeland, Japan. While Jim and other white males are fighting in France, Akuri forces Jim's sweetheart Mary to sell her ranch, as she is not able to run it because the only men left, the Japanese, have pledged not to work for the whites. With the ranch, Akuri begins his colony. Mary counters by organizing her society women friends to appeal to Congress against the "yellow menace." When it seems that his plans will be thwarted, Akuri issues orders for the death of Mary and her friends, but Jim and his pal return and rescue them. Akuri then kidnaps Mary and takes her to his apartment, but with the help of Akuri's wronged Japanese lover, Jim learns her whereabouts. He organizes a posse of American Legion locals and rescues Mary just as Akuri is about to murder her. Akuri's group is routed out.
Who directed Shadows of the West?
Shadows of the West was directed by Paul Hurst.
Who stars in Shadows of the West?
The principal cast of Shadows of the West includes Pat J. O'Brien, Hedda Nova, Virginia Dale, Seymour Zeliff, Ben Corbett.
When was Shadows of the West released and how long is it?
Shadows of the West was released in 1921 with a total runtime of 50m.

















