NORTH TO ALASKA (Theatrical Release USA 1960)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

North to Alaska runs on a shallow storyline and bad to okay acting. It sticks to a limited set of stage settings and gives no relief with any outstanding cinematic views of Alaska or the Seattle coastlands. The small exploration into the logging community in Seattle are the most interesting scenes in this movie. The film tries to be a comedy but doesn’t quite get there. Both John Wayne and Stewart Granger do not compliment each other well in this film and the addition of Fabian does not help.   

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

Friends strike it rich in the Alaskan wilderness. One friend travels to Seattle to get a wife for the other friend. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Henry Hathaway for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Henry Hathaway, John Lee Martin, and Charles Feldman for making the film possible. Cast includes: John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Capucine, Ernie Kovacs, and Fabian. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. This film is predictable and is one of John Wayne’s lesser performances. Better John Wayne westerns include: The Shootist or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE WILD GEESE (Theatrical Release United Kingdom 1978)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Wild Geese—ride of your life war flick—accesses the talents of three of the best 1970s professional entertainers, Richard Harris, Richard Burton, and Roger Moore. This film makes a lasting impression due to notable acting and a great presentation of story. Earns its watch both in time and money investment. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

 Storyline

 A group of mercenary soldiers attempt to rescue a South African president from imprisonment.

 Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Andrew McLaglen for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Euan Lloyd, Erwin Dietrich, Douglas Netter, and Chris Chrisafis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Colonel Allen Faulkner (Richard Burton), Lieutenant Shawn Fynn (Roger Moore), Captain Rafer Janders (Richard Harris), Lieutenant Pieter Coetzee (Hardy Kruger), Sir Edward Matheson (Stewart Granger), Regimental Sergeant Major Sandy Young (Jack Watson), Father Geoghegen (Frank Finlay), Medic Arthur Witty (Kenneth Griffith), Mr. Martin (Jeff Corey), Thomas Balfour (Barry Foster), President Julius Limbani (Winston Ntshona), Sergeant Jock McTaggart (Ronald Fraser), and Sergeant Jesse Blake (John Kani). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a high-quality action thriller that deserves its watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers