In this very watchable and highly entertaining western {shot in Canadian Northwest} it plays with all the veracity and dishonesty that marked the 'OL WEST and Klondike rush of period.With breathtaking photography and backdrop of big unconquered Alaska,we are taken on tour with Jimmy Stewart and crew to witness the fervor and passion that marked the hunt for GOLD. Chock full of twists and turns and double crosses it both seeks to give dramatic portrayal and morality play lesson on life and times of grub-stake dwellers and their thirst for riches.Very notable,given it's place in history and importance during that era.Men were of all types,per usual,however their motivations for a pot of gold and better life was never better displayed with a western accent and horses Vs.Dogs as vehicle of transport. With a cast of significant players,John McIntire {Top Hat wearing local magistrate} and Walter Brennan {side kick and partner to Stewart} and lovely but too strong-willed independent lassie Ruth Roman on hand to make believably interesting ,the movie never fails to be fun and gripping.I couldn't find any weak spots,where either action or interest lulls.Very good sign of filmmaking,to let the movie play out with nary a weak or insignificant scene.One of the main reasons for my big approval of.The scenes all play and build upon one another,with such ease as to seem effortless.Another good sign. The actual filming of backdrop and landscape is as good as it gets for any picture.Whether it was shot in early Cinemascope or Technicolor ,it should have bragging rights for production value and credibility.The color was never truer or richer and as clear as that bell 'OL Walter kept talkin about,that he gave his fiercely self-reliant and sometimes cold of heart buddy-Stewart.Speaking of which,he goes thru kind of transformation during scenes and starts caring more about his fellow frontier blazing man,which can be both hazardous and rewarding for his character.Since Stewart personified the ordinary man,and his pursuit of happiness or just life,he doesn't fail to deliever the gods here,except to the extent upon which he is brazen about many men in general,since crooks,liers and killer's were in abundance.Who better than cinema's Jimmy to sing praises of or cast dispersions upon one's character. The action is very real and true to storyline,giving added impact to all characters where needed.I particularly liked McIntire as a scalawag who talks big and with authority and seems almost honest to a fault until his ulterior motives {as big as the landscape} become realized. He stands out as one of the best bad guys in this genre of film,ever. Ruth Roman tries to usurp her presence with a combination of riches and wily ways,and mostly to the chagrin of Stewart,who is caught up in the middle.But to ease his entanglements along the way and steer clear of ever present danger,is old timer Brennan to the rescue.He innocent enough and only wants the best for the two,being too easily pleased with condition of their fate,wanting only early place to retire and pot after pot of coffee.He adds element of moral support and buddy vehicle to film.Good touch.Other cast are authentic and visual,if not vocal upon command and lend to texture of storyline. I highly recommend this visual and gripping action yarn,with story and plot working in conjunction for an unique movie experience.I was never bored or lacked enthusiasm throuhgout.Which is not easy to say of action/western flicks. 5 out of 5 star or 10/10 for entertaining and true-felt action that beholds with view.
