"Out West" is another excellent installment of the David Gill/Kevin Brownlow series on American silent films, "Hollywood". It's definitely the best and most comprehensive look at these early films and sometimes pays homage to the unsung genres and filmmakers--such as stunt-men, cameramen as well as, in this case, the western. And, as is the case with the other dozen episodes, this one is very interesting and well worth seeing.
I thought the most interesting thing about the show was its reminding us that the early westerns were made DURING the latter portion of the 'old west'. In other words, many of the folks watching and making these films were real pioneers and cowboys. The stories of these cowboys (such as Tom Mix) were pretty exciting to hear as well as the fake cowboys like William S. Hart and Harry Carey who, although born back East, were very influential in creating the myths of the West we believe today. All in all, very interesting and a nice chance to hear from a few of the old stars (such as one of my favorites, Colonel Tim McCoy).
By the way, back in 1980 they didn't know it but Iron Eyes Cody (who was interviewed for the episode) was not a real American Indian but an Italian who faked his Italian heritage. He was so convincing that in the very famous American commercial with the crying Indian (from about 1970), Cody was chosen to play this iconic character.