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A seventeen year old boy loses his father, needs money and competes in a dog sled competition for a large prize. The snow and cold scenery is fantastic. You seem to feel the cold as the film progresses. Criminal involvement depicted is what seemed to be true during the year period of the film. The progress of the race keeps the viewer's interest and you emotionally cheer on the young man who is competing, especially since he has fears brought on by his father's death. Being set in 1917 allows the use of a period steam locomotive which creates authenticity and historical interest. This film is a cheer for the human spirit. We need more of this today.

"Age Isn't Everything" is the title used on the film when released instead of its original title, "Life in the Food Chain." In fact, a line at the end of the movie relates to the original title better.

The story of a college graduate who embarks on a career of something other than his original plan and becomes old in the process is somewhat abstract. He became a businessman instead of an astronaut and this caused an aging process to kick in. Also, he obtained a New York Jewish pattern of speech which did not exist until he began aging. This seemed out of place but carried the old man persona. The comedy plot wasn't really funny. Resolution at the end was tied in but, again, abstract.

A good reminder to follow your goals in life, but not a high rated film. Apparently the reason for its limited release, even on video.

Not much to say on this one but just see it. The Academy Award received by Edmund Gwenn was very well deserved. It seems it should have been for Best Actor not Best Supporting Actor since he is the entire picture. A number of supporting actors carry the story very well also. You will recognize several uncredited actors who appeared in later pictures. I'm sure the success of this picture caused producers to update the story with remakes. Although this story has been remade several times, not one is even close to this original in quality or emotional sensitivity. If the celebration of Christmas means something to you, see this film. Watching it each Christmas should be a habit. It is a "10" for sure.