AllMovie

Silent western star Fred Thomson's second film for Paramount, The Pioneer Scout benefited from glorious locations in California's Mojave Desert. The story of a wagon train braving dangers on its trek to California was as old as the desert sand, however. Thomson plays the scout of the title, who romances a pretty lass along the way when not entering a race in the town of Last Chance or battling an evil saloon keeper (Tom Wilson) suspected of a series of fake Indian attacks. Thomson's horse, Silver King, plays a large role in the film, not only winning the Big Race for Thomson but also saving his master from Wilson's henchmen. Like many times before, the screenplay to this Thomson oater was provided by one Frank M. Clifton. Hiding behind the pen-name was none other than Thomson's wife, screenwriter Frances Marion.