Le Grand Sam

A recent issue of Vanity Fair magazine contained a lengthy article (riddled with some annoying errors, by the way) about the exploits of legendary Hollywood agent (and producer, on occasion), Charles K. Feldman. For John Wayne he at one time obtained a three-picture deal at 20th-Century Fox that included this one, as well as "The Comancheros" and "The Barbarian and the Geisha." This comedy, set in Gold Rush Alaska, is the best of that trio, thanks to Henry Hathaway's hand at the helm, and some extremely astute casting. Stewart Granger, presumably a free agent after fulfilling his MGM contract, is credible as Wayne's partner; Ernie Kovacs, in one of his few film roles, before his untimely death, makes a thoroughly convincing cad; and Fabian, shoehorned in to lure the teenage females, is refreshingly funny in probably his best film performance. Capucine, one of Feldman's conquests, according to that same Vanity Fair article, was given the role of Michelle/'Angel' and she gave a preview of her ability to play a glamour role with an emphasis on comedy that came to full flower in 1964's "The Pink Panther," in which she skillfully matched pratfalls with Peter Sellers in his first incarnation as the immortal Inspector Clouseau.

With the great Kathleen Freeman, the always funny Mickey Shaugnessy, and Karl Swenson rounding out a cast giving full play to the script's comic aspects; Leon Shamroy lensing the proceedings with his usual professionalism; and Lionel Newman contributing an apposite score; this one, with a title song that managed a place on the Hit Parade back then, is lots of not-too-taxing fun. It's soon to be available on DVD, I notice, so its CinemaScope ratio will no doubt be restored, the only way to revisit a film made when widescreens were really wide.

The story is rather minimal, also there is little substance to the characters. However, I can overlook these in a way, but this was entertaining and was never meant to be complex and all that. It has beautiful cinematography and scenery. It has great music and a truly terrific title song. It has a sparkling script. It has skilled direction. It goes along at a decent pace. It has two fun performances from John Wayne and underrated Stewart Granger. And North to Alaska has one of the wildest and wackiest bar-room brawls I have seen in any movie. Overall, I liked North to Alaska, it was entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This movie is too funny! And too heartwarming! I can watch this movie over and over and still laugh! And it is not slapstick! Just good ole wholesome American comedy! My favorite! Three men, (well, two men and a teen) and a French woman! What a combo!! John Wayne is his usual macho self. That is always fun to watch. And Stewart Granger is soooo good here! I have seen him in many things, but I think he out-did himself here! He's too funny! And poor Fabian. He breaks my heart with his love-sick adoration of Michelle! If you haven't seen this, you must rent it. You will be glad you did. And you WILL end up watching it again. It's that type of movie.

This is a great movie. Funny and entertaining.

Each of the characters could fill up a movie by themselves. Ernie Kovaks steals the show as the ultimate cheat and chiseler. John Wayne knows he is doing a parody of himself, plays it to the hilt and pulls it off brilliantly. Capucine is a classy lady. Even though she works in a bordello, you somehow know she's a nice girl. Even Clancy the shaggy dog has a great role. Johnny Horton's title hit, North to Alaska, is his best song ever. Classic cowboy movie fight scenes at the beginning and end.

A total hoot.

John Wayne plays Sam McCord, who teams up with George Pratt, played by Stewart Granger, striking it rich with a gold mine around the turn of the century in Alaska. Fabian plays George's younger brother, Billy. George sends Sam back to Seattle to bring back his bride to be; instead, Sam brings back a chorus girl played by Capucine.

Henry Hathaway directs this fist swinging comedy. Of course, Mr. Wayne is in charge of the fist fights and Fabian is the butt of and source of most of the comedy. Comic Ernie Kovacs plays a snide claim jumper. Fast paced frolic of a picture. An enjoyable lighter side of 'Duke' Wayne.