Shadows of the West

Reviews in late 1920, from which the synopsis is taken, label this film as 8 reels in length, produced by Cinema Craft, highly propagandistic, and anti-Japanese. Moving Picture World described the film at length and expressed doubts concerning whether a film of this sort should, in fact, be exhibited: "A propaganda picture pure and simple, based on the presence of thousands of Japanese in California is Shadows of the West.... It attacks the Japanese in a way that, should it attain wide circulation, will increase the difficulties between this country and the island empire. The sons of Nippon are shown as profiteers, wife-beaters and would-be murderers. They are shown dumping fish into the sea in order to maintain high prices (which idea is not wholly Japanese), and are accused of violations of various laws. The direct accusation is made that they menace this country's integrity. They are held up to public view in the worst light, in a way that is calculated to make them nationally hated. In fact, the evident purpose of the picture is to bring about such an overwhelming sentiment against them, and such pressure to bear on Congress, that the legislators will take some action against the Japanese to permanently keep them away from American life. The newspapers advise us that relations between the United States and Japan are delicate and if this be so the circulation of a picture damning the Japanese might well be questioned. A sub-title quotes the principal female character as saying to a mob: 'As a representative of the women voters, I request you to allow the senate to handle this vital question.' This gives a suggestion. The situation, serious without question, could properly be handled by the government and without the necessity for a picture which inflames the minds of the people against the Japanese."
       Apparently the Motion Picture Producing Co. of America reduced the film to 5 reels, played down the "yellow peril" menace, and emphasized the western aspects.