This is one of my least favorite films that James Stewart made during the 1950s. Why? Well, because unlike most of his western characters, this one is NOT a good guy. In fact, he's completely amoral and indifferent to the suffering and injustices done to others. He only acts when he personally is involved--even allowing those close to him to suffer immensely.
The film is set in Alaska and the Yukon during the gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th century. Although the setting is different, the film is essentially a very traditional western. There is the usual formulaic bad boss-man (John McIntire) who tries to take over the land and cheat all the poor people out of their land--probably the most common theme in westerns. And, of course, he has his evil sidekicks. And the hero, of sorts, has his own sidekick--the always reliable Walter Brennan. In fact, it's all so very formulaic that I won't bother to elaborate further.
The bottom line is that there is nothing particularly new here and Stewart is almost unlikable! Because of this, despite nice location shooting and decent production values, this is a rather joyless film. Watchable, but not especially fun.
The film is set in Alaska and the Yukon during the gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th century. Although the setting is different, the film is essentially a very traditional western. There is the usual formulaic bad boss-man (John McIntire) who tries to take over the land and cheat all the poor people out of their land--probably the most common theme in westerns. And, of course, he has his evil sidekicks. And the hero, of sorts, has his own sidekick--the always reliable Walter Brennan. In fact, it's all so very formulaic that I won't bother to elaborate further.
The bottom line is that there is nothing particularly new here and Stewart is almost unlikable! Because of this, despite nice location shooting and decent production values, this is a rather joyless film. Watchable, but not especially fun.