I compared the characters to cartoon characters because, well, they are as flat and dimensionless as cartoons! George (Louis Wolheim) and Boyd (Joel McCrea) are both pugnacious galoots who mostly spend their time talking about fighting and fighting. Their goal (along with their wimpier partner) is to open up a salmon cannery in Alaska, but a one-dimensional baddie does everything he can to stand in their way--resorting to violence and underhanded tricks to stop them. It all just seemed very flat and unconvincing--mostly because none of these characters have a lot of depth.
In addition, there are two women who are just gaga over Boyd--Evelyn Brent and Jean Arthur. While Boyd seems taken with the rich girl, the other lady is sweet and long-suffering--helping Boyd behind his back to be a success even though she knows Boyd has chosen the other woman. What a gal...but again, a bit simplistic. And, as far as Arthur and McCrea are concerned, although they both went on to become major stars, this film seemed to do nothing to help in this process.
The film has few assets and mostly a relatively dull story. But, you can't deny that the Alaskan locations are just lovely--and it's ALMOST worth seeing just to catch these glimpses of old-time Alaska....almost. Dull---and this is a surprise, as Louis Wolheim was a very exciting and charismatic actor. Here, he just isn't used effectively, as his best characters were tough AND sweet--here he isn't given a chance to show off his sweeter side.
In addition, there are two women who are just gaga over Boyd--Evelyn Brent and Jean Arthur. While Boyd seems taken with the rich girl, the other lady is sweet and long-suffering--helping Boyd behind his back to be a success even though she knows Boyd has chosen the other woman. What a gal...but again, a bit simplistic. And, as far as Arthur and McCrea are concerned, although they both went on to become major stars, this film seemed to do nothing to help in this process.
The film has few assets and mostly a relatively dull story. But, you can't deny that the Alaskan locations are just lovely--and it's ALMOST worth seeing just to catch these glimpses of old-time Alaska....almost. Dull---and this is a surprise, as Louis Wolheim was a very exciting and charismatic actor. Here, he just isn't used effectively, as his best characters were tough AND sweet--here he isn't given a chance to show off his sweeter side.