Frank Borzage's early auteur films are fascinating (he's the lead actor and director). I've often felt a tinge of the monstrous in his later work, where he could feel the need to expound on his pretty fanatical views on existence by use of contrast (particularly in Lazybones). Borzage believed in characters, in integrity, exuberance, audacity, and charm. These first films steer clear of the more antithetical characters such as the Carpenter from Liliom, punch-drunk lonely losers for whom Borzage had no pity.
Nugget Jim's pardner (Borzage), is an easy-come-easy-go character, an heirling who has worn through the last of pater's patience, eaten through his allowance of allowances. Off he pops, after one last drunken hurrah, to makes his living way out west. He teams up with a prospector and his daughter and they develop a happy family situation. Whilst funny, the film has more going for it than laughs, it's essentially existential, and demonstrates that people rather than cash money are real wealth. The way this sunbeam errant behaves, the way he smiles and laughs good-naturedly whatever the situation is a joy to behold. I'd add that Borzage can really act, his drunk walk is something else (or maybe he just got crocked beforehand!).
The ending is one of the best endings to a film I've seen, full of hope, joy, and new, fresh life. It's a pretty good idea for this sort of thing to be accompanied by banjo, or some sort of old time music (piano doesn't do it justice).
