The Avenger Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Avenger.
The Avenger Ending Explained: Goss, Mason, and Kelly force Joaquin Murieta to watch as they hang his brother Juan for a crime he did not commit. Directed by Roy William Neill, this 1931 romance film stars Buck Jones (Joaquin "The Black Shadow" Murietta), alongside Dorothy Revier as Helen Lake, Edward Peil Sr. as Ike Mason, Otto Hoffman as Black Kelly. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Avenger?
Goss, Mason, and Kelly force Joaquin Murieta to watch as they hang his brother Juan for a crime he did not commit. To exact his revenge on the three, Joaquin becomes the notorious Black Shadow.
Roy William Neill's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Buck Jones (Joaquin "The Black Shadow" Murietta)'s journey. To exact his revenge on the three, Joaquin becomes the notorious Black Shadow.
How Does Buck Jones (Joaquin "The Black Shadow" Murietta)'s Story End?
- Buck Jones: Buck Jones's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Dorothy Revier (Helen Lake): Dorothy Revier's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Edward Peil Sr. (Ike Mason): Edward Peil Sr.'s character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Avenger Mean?
The Avenger's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Buck Jones may feel rushed. Roy William Neill's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.