Red Margaret Moonshiner

"Red Margaret, Moonshiner" (1913) is a lost American silent short romance film directed by Allan Dwan and starring Pauline Bush, Murdock MacQuarrie, and Lon Chaney. The film is notable for showcasing Chaney's early experimentation with elaborate makeup, as he played "Lon," an eccentric moonshiner with a long beard and wild hair. Originally titled *Warrington's Honor*, the film was later edited down to one reel and re-released in 1916 as *Moonshine Blood*.

The plot revolves around Red Margaret, a leader of mountain moonshiners who evade authorities. A government agent is sent to dismantle their operation, and Margaret falls in love with him. Lon discovers the agent's true identity and forces Margaret to lure him to her cabin. Fearing for his safety, Margaret informs the authorities, leading to a police raid that results in her father's death and the agent being left wounded. The agent is later honored for his work, while Margaret is sent to prison, content with her actions.

The film received mixed reviews, with *Moving Picture World* praising Pauline Bush's performance but questioning the reasoning behind Margaret's nickname "Red," calling it melodramatic without justification. The mountain backgrounds were also commended. Starring alongside Chaney and MacQuarrie, the film marks an early example of Chaney's innovative makeup artistry.