Spawn of the North

An old-fashioned gem from another time. This is one of those old movies I first saw as a kid on the Superstation, channel 17 in Atlanta. And at some point, they also debuted the colorized version of this classic. I can still recall the furor that colorization created, with many of Hollywood's legends being against it, since it was basically changing the way films of that era were originally intended to be seen ( in black and white). Film critic Gene Siskel even went so far as to compare the process to a form of vandalism. But I still wish someone would re-release the colorized version.By the turn of the century, Alaska (not yet a state) was quickly becoming the new 'Wild West' and that atmosphere was well presented in 'Spawn of the North'. Centered on lifelong friends Tyler (George Raft) and Jim (Henry Fonda). They make their living fishing for Alaskan salmon. Tyler is impatient for greater success, and thinks he sees an opportunity by partnering with the greasy, sleazy Russian, Red Skain (played very well by Akim Tamiroff). Red and his men make their money by illegally raiding the fish traps of others. This tests Tyler's friendship with the law-abiding Jim, and an ultimate showdown between himself, Red and Tyler begins to take shape. Dorothy Lamour's heart belongs to Tyler, but quickly sees the dangerous path he's on. Fonda's love interest was played by Louise Platt, an accomplished actress who strangely did only a handful of films and gravitated back to stage performances after the early 1940's.Just a rousing good film with a stellar cast. It seems odd now, but Raft got top billing because he was the bigger star at the time. Some of Fonda's biggest films were still a few years off (his first Oscar nomination was for 'Grapes of Wrath', 1940). As for Dorothy Lamour, she was fresh from her last film, the highly acclaimed disaster epic, 'The Hurricane'. Her sex appeal was still very much intact, as part of her scenes here involved a clingy top, which keeps everything well covered, but it was clearly worn with no bra underneath. The aforementioned showdown, with Jim in one fishing boat, and Red and Tyler in another, is truly a cinema classic and not to be missed!

Enjoyed raft and fonda

The old west came to Alaska. There are the vigilantes who go after the bad guys for rustling salmon instead of cattle and all in Alaska instead of Wyoming or Montana. The good cast is wasted. Fonda is simpering and Raft is angry and Lamour should have stayed on the road with Bing and Bob. Surprisingly, this Blu-Ray is not the best.

Fonda, Raft and Lamour along with the Paramount stock company equals vintage fun entertainment.

Great movie and excellent viewing. If your looking for a prestine copy of Spawn, this is it, but disappointed that there is no menu selection.

Great fast transaction! Arrived in perfect condition.

Came in a box, plays like it's supposed to... nothing to say really. As advertised. Just trying to burn up the 15 word review minimum.

good