The Challenge of Chance

It was just as common in 1919 as it is today for athletes to be offered movie contracts. Challenge of Chance stars heavyweight boxing champ Jess Willard, with serial queen Arline Pretty appearing as Jess’ leading lady. A western, the film casts Willard as a ranch hand who rescues Pretty from a Mexican bandit. He also saves a stable of valuable horses from being stolen, which in the eyes of many is a more worthy achievement than the salvation of the heroine. Jess Willard couldn’t act to save his life, but he handled the action sequences with elan.