North to Alaska

Released Nov 7, 1960

2h 2m

Western

Comedy

List

50%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

76%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

When George Pratt (Stewart Granger) and Sam McCord (John Wayne) strike gold in Alaska, they must struggle to keep their fortune because of the constant interference from Frankie Canon (Ernie Kovacs), who wants to claim the gold for himself. After being ordered to find George's fiancée in Seattle, Sam discovers that she has already married another man. Unable to deliver George's fiancée, Sam decides to bring him a prostitute named Angel (Capucine).

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Nathanael Hood

The Retro Set

...one of the most unexpected and delightful surprises of Henry Hathaway's entire career.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 28, 2018

Full Review

James Plath

Movie Metropolis

I can't in good conscience call this one of John Wayne's best movies, but I have to say that 'North to Alaska' has always been one of my favorites. It's just plain fun.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 10, 2013

Full Review

Bob Bloom

Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

An OK John Wayne up north comedy western. Not one of his better efforts, but it has its moments.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 6, 2007

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

Rated: 1/5

May 7, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

One of John Wayne's most popular Western-adventures, North to Alaska reveals his light comedy skills, and benefits from Shamroy's on-location shoot, hathaway's smooth helming, and great cast, headed by Cappucine, Ernie Kovacs, Stewart Granger, and Fabian

Rated: B+

Mar 16, 2007

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Never amounts to even a speck of gold.

Rated: C

Jul 16, 2005

Full Review

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Hunter R

Good clean Western!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

Full Review

Louisa C

This movie is a classic and I've seen it many times. I have loved westerns since I was a kid, John Wayne is my favorite. I also like Audie Murphy, Joel McCrea, Jimmy Stewart, Robert Mitchum , Walter Brennan, Andy Devine( loved him in the original Stage Coach, another great classic.), Ben Johnson, Gabby Hayes, Ward Bond,Thomas Mitchell (who also was so much fun to watch in Stage Coach as Doc Boone) are some of my top favorites. I also like James Gardener, Glenn Ford and Gregory Peck as well. All of these actors are top notch. Movies today are like a fast food meal compared to rich home cooking we use to watch, they lack character, substance and are what I call brain garbage filled with sex, violence and shallow meaningless plots. As for this movie North to Alaska it is one of my all time favorites . Johnny Horton also sang a song by the same name based off the movie, it too is worth listening to , Horton was a wonderful singer, story teller with interesting ballads and a voice that gets stuck in your head, you'll be singing his songs if you listen to them. So what did I think of the movie? If you like old movies and you like westerns you will not be disappointed, make some popcorn grab the cat or dog or your honey on a rainy afternoon cozy up and check it out.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/23

Full Review

Chad G

As soon as I saw a comedic bar fight unfolded within the first 5 minutes, I knew I was going to enjoy this fiom. Although I haven't seen many John Wayne films, his performance in this one surprised me with his comedic timing. The movie boasts several hilarious scenes, particularly towards the end, and the overall acting is really great, especially Capucine's performance. The part of thr film I really liked though, was the breathtaking imagery of the Alaskan wilderness mixed with the nostalgic ambiance of the old west. The film does a fantastic job capturing the essence and excitement of the Alaskan Gold Rush, transporting viewers to a bygone era. This hidden gem deserves more recognition and is definitely worth watching. Despite its age, this film is a perfect blend of humor and adventure that should be seen.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/18/23

Full Review

Steve D

One of Wayne's dullest.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/28/23

Full Review

William L

North to Alaska is like oil and water - two different tones that are never rectified. On one hand, there is a relatively conventional John Wayne Western, where his grubby, tall-standing Sam McCord must contend with greedy bandits, a female love interest, and some sort of injustice using his hard-punching style. On the other, there is a goofy comedy based on a love triangle, where most of the laughs are more suited for midcentury sensibilities. Though they weave in and out of one another, they seem like two distinct films. It's not like North to Alaska is a particularly offensive film, but Wayne isn't really suited to comedy; most of the humor is more a result of the contrast of the movie's intermittent tone to Wayne's more serious cowboy films. If you are fine with the Duke being a bit more light-hearted, North to Alaska is not a bad movie but far from a classic. It's not like Wayne is notorious for his comic delivery. (2/5)

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/27/21

Full Review

Liam D

One of John Wayne's Weakest efforts and kinda mediocre

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/17/21

Full Review

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Henry Hathaway

Director

John Wayne

Sam McCord

Stewart Granger

George Pratt

Ernie Kovacs

Frankie Canon

Fabian

Billy Pratt

Capucine

Michelle ('Angel')

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Synopsis

When George Pratt (Stewart Granger) and Sam McCord (John Wayne) strike gold in Alaska, they must struggle to keep their fortune because of the constant interference from Frankie Canon (Ernie Kovacs), who wants to claim the gold for himself. After being ordered to find George's fiancée in Seattle, Sam discovers that she has already married another man. Unable to deliver George's fiancée, Sam decides to bring him a prostitute named Angel (Capucine).

Director: Henry Hathaway
Screenwriter: John H. Kafka, Ladislas Fodor, John Lee Mahin, Martin Rackin, Claude Binyon
Production Co: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Western, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 7, 1960, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2012
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Mono

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