Ghost Town (1936) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A mine's uncertain fortune, an attempted robbery, and McCall's apparent death lead Cheyenne and the law into an unfinished pursuit.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

The Mine and Its Lost Fortune

Schemers try to buy into the Royal Flush mine, but Rankin refuses. He recounts how he and McCall discovered the mine and says the rich vein vanished years earlier.

Key Events

• Rankin Refuses the Mine Sale — Rankin refuses the schemers' offer to buy into the mine. Characters: Abe Rankin Location: Royal Flush mine
• The Mine's Rich Past — Rankin recalls the mine's discovery and says its valuable vein disappeared years ago. Characters: Abe Rankin, Jim / Max McCall Location: Royal Flush mine

An Ambush on the Road

Cheyenne reunites with McCall, who is traveling in a battered car. A schemer lures McCall onto a lonely road, and he is later found injured near a ravine.

Key Events

• Cheyenne Reunites with McCall — Cheyenne arrives and reunites with McCall, who is traveling in a battered car. Characters: Cheyenne Harry Morgan, Jim / Max McCall Location: Near the town
• McCall Is Lured onto the Road — A schemer lures McCall onto a lonely road in an attempted robbery. Characters: Jim / Max McCall Location: Lonely road
• McCall Found Injured — After shots are heard, McCall is found injured beside his wrecked car. Characters: Jim / Max McCall Location: Near a ravine

The Search and the Suspect

The sheriff organizes a search and brings a suspect back to town, while Bud is asked to serve as deputy. Cheyenne is identified in custody as the town reacts to McCall's apparent death.

Key Events

• The Sheriff Begins a Search — Blair organizes a search, brings a suspect to town, and asks Bud to serve as deputy. Characters: Sheriff Blair, Bud Ellis Location: Town and surrounding area
• Cheyenne Is Identified — A man in custody is identified as Cheyenne while the town reacts to McCall's apparent death. Characters: Cheyenne Harry Morgan, Sheriff Blair Location: Town

Cash Stolen from the Office

The gang learns that someone has found the money and breaks into the sheriff's office to retrieve it. The gang escapes, leaving Billie locked up.

Key Events

• The Cash Is Found — The gang discovers that someone has found the money they sought. Location: Unspecified
• The Gang Breaks into the Office — The gang retrieves the cash from its hiding place and leaves Billie locked up. Characters: Billie Blair Location: Sheriff's office

The Pursuit Begins

Cheyenne reveals that McCall is alive near the mine's west tunnel and directs Bud to free Billie and get a doctor. Cheyenne goes after the money as the outlaws flee, but the account ends before the confrontation is resolved.

Key Events

• McCall Is Still Alive — Cheyenne tells Bud that McCall is alive but needs help near the mine's west tunnel. Characters: Cheyenne Harry Morgan, Jim / Max McCall Location: West tunnel of the Royal Flush mine
• Cheyenne Sends Bud for Help — Cheyenne tells Bud to free Billie and get a doctor for McCall; Bud and Billie follow his directions. Characters: Cheyenne Harry Morgan, Bud Ellis, Billie Blair Location: Town
• The Outlaws Flee by Car — The outlaws attempt to escape by car as a rider and the law close in. Location: Road outside town
• The Pursuit Remains Unresolved — The supplied account ends as the pursuit closes in, before the confrontation is resolved. Characters: Cheyenne Harry Morgan, Bud Ellis, Billie Blair Location: Road outside town

Story Breakdown

• The Mine Dispute — Schemers pursue a stake in the Royal Flush mine despite Rankin's refusal.
  • Rankin Rejects Offer — Rankin refuses to sell into the mine.
  • Rich Ore History — Rankin recalls the mine's discovery and says the valuable vein disappeared.
• Cheyenne and McCall — Cheyenne arrives in the area and reconnects with his absent partner.
  • A Battered Arrival — McCall travels in a battered car when Cheyenne arrives.
  • Their Reunion — Cheyenne and McCall meet again in the area.
• Roadside Robbery — A schemer targets McCall in an attempt to take his money.
  • False Road Obstruction — A makeshift obstruction draws McCall onto a lonely road.
  • McCall Wounded — McCall is found injured near a ravine beside his wrecked car.
• The Sheriff's Search — The town responds to the apparent death and the sheriff begins investigating.
  • Search Organized — Sheriff Blair organizes a search and brings a suspect to town.
  • Bud Made Deputy — Blair asks Bud to serve as his deputy.
• Cash and Break-In — The gang discovers the money has been found and breaks into the sheriff's office.
  • Money Discovered — The gang learns someone has found the cash.
  • Billie Locked Up — The gang retrieves the cash and leaves Billie locked in the office.
• McCall's Survival — Cheyenne refuses to flee and reveals McCall needs help.
  • West Tunnel Location — Cheyenne says McCall is alive near the Royal Flush mine's west tunnel.
  • Doctor Sent For — Cheyenne tells Bud to get a doctor for McCall.
• The Unfinished Pursuit — Cheyenne pursues the money while the outlaws attempt to escape by car.
  • Cheyenne Gives Orders — Bud is told to release Billie as Cheyenne goes after the gang.
  • Law Closes In — A rider and the law approach the fleeing outlaws, but the supplied account ends before resolution.

Directed by

Harry L. Fraser

Key Cast

• Harry Carey — Cheyenne Harry Morgan
• David Sharpe — Bud Ellis
• Ruth Findlay — Billie Blair
• Jane Novak — Rose
• Lee Shumway — Boss Morrell