The Sunset Trail Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Sunset Trail.
The Sunset Trail Ending Explained: Tomboy Bess Aiken grows up quickly when her mother deserts her father to elope with wealthy Easterner Vernon Treloar. Directed by George Melford, this 1917 drama film stars Henry A. Barrows (Vernon Treloar), alongside William Elmer as Price Lovel, Harrison Ford as Kirk Levington, Vivian Martin as Bess Aiken. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Sunset Trail?
Tomboy Bess Aiken grows up quickly when her mother deserts her father to elope with wealthy Easterner Vernon Treloar. Left alone with her father, Bess begins to long for feminine companionship, and when an opportunity arises for Bess to visit her newly-remarried mother, her father consents. The little girl soon finds herself in a fairytale world of beautiful gowns and extravagant luxury. Believing that anything her mother does must be correct, Bess soon learns to smoke and drink, much to the displeasure of Kirke Livingston, who loves her but fears she has inherited her mother's weaknesses. Bess disregards his warnings until one day she finds her mother embracing another man. Disillusioned, she departs immediately for her father's cabin, traveling through the woods all night. At daybreak, Kirke finds her and wins her hand in marriage.
George Melford's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Henry A. Barrows (Vernon Treloar)'s journey. Left alone with her father, Bess begins to long for feminine companionship, and when an opportunity arises for Bess to visit her newly-remarried mother, her father consents.
How Does Henry A. Barrows (Vernon Treloar)'s Story End?
- Henry A. Barrows: Henry A. Barrows's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- William Elmer (Price Lovel): William Elmer's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Harrison Ford (Kirk Levington): Harrison Ford's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Sunset Trail Mean?
The ending of The Sunset Trail brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Henry A. Barrows's story may not satisfy all audiences.