“The Call Of The Yukon”

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

“The Call Of The Yukon”

The Republican production “Call of the Yukon,” adapted from James Oliver Curwocd’s popular novel, “Swift Lightning,” is a thrilling epic of the frozen north, with many stirring and unusual features. Woven into the narrative are many delightful incidents depicting the mateship between a collie and a savage half-wolf, half-Alsatian dog. A dramatic scene of trappers and Eskimos frantically endeavouring to protect reindeer from a pack of starving wolves led by the wolf-dog, effectively sets the atmosphere of this tale of primitive passions made more virile by bleak Alaskan settings. While seeking material for a new book, a woman novelist is saved from foolhardiness by an uncouth trapper, who persuades her to leave a deserted Eskimo village for a safer and more civilised distant trading post. The two are rescued from further danger by a trader in love with the novelist. Previously in .an emotional outburst —more,

of gratitude than affection —the woman* has declared her love for the trapper. This she now retracts, and sensing his advantage ' the wily trader uses the friendship of the couple’s ill-assorted animals to point his argument that the gently nurtured woman is no fit mate for the primitive woodsman. The reflection of this argument is seen in the .snarl of the wolf dog, jealous at the sight of the trader’s St. Bernard endeavouring to make friends with the collie the wolf-dog has rescued from the wolf pack. A terrific fight between the men heightens the drama of this effective scene.

Comedy is furnished by the antics and scuffles of the two bears and a raven, pets of the novelist, who have refused to be deserted by her. Richard Arlen as the trapper and Beverly Roberts as the novelist, are excellent in the main roles. As the trader, Lyle Talbot also gives a sterling performance, and the big supporting cast includes Anthony Hughes, Mala, A 1 St. John and Emery Parnell. Packed with thrills and excitement from end to end, “Call of the Yukon” is ideal entertainment for the whole family.

Straw-hatted Maurice Chevalier, of the famous underlip, probably will be teamed with Marlene Dietrich for “The Image.” By uniting these two names, the French producers are furthering their cause in the world market, for both stars are popular. Equally interesting (if true) is the rumour that if the French picture is a success, Irving Berlin will write a musical to star Marlene and Chevalier on Broadway. Remember her songs in “The Blue Angel”? As for Chevalier, he has been going strong in the Paris Casino for a long time.

’humour, too, that necessary ingredient,, in the change that the ill-assorted crew of landlubbers Underwent before they became real iron men.

But; ready to hand though this material was, it needed a story, actors and a director to bring it to life on the screen. For a story, Darryl F. Zanuck, production chief at 20th CenturyFox Studios, selected Ray Milholland’s stirring tale “The Splinter Fleet.” For actors he chose a cast of veteran character actors who knew the value of a laugh as well as the value of straight dramatic acting. And to unite the two he selected John Ford, winner of the Academy Award, LieutenantCommander in the naval reserve, and specialist in pictures of action, drama and suspense.

Vital Problem “Submarine Patrol” deals, as the title suggests, with a naval problem that was vital during the war and even more vital to-day. Curiously enough, although the “Splinter Fleet,” which made up the important submarine patrol, played a vital role in the Battle of Durazzo —the only general naval engagement in the Great War in which any vessels of the United States navy took part—very little is known about their exploits, their appearance or their crews.

Tiny little craft, a hundred and ten feet over all, with a narrow beam, they were designed for speed and little else. They’ mounted one three-inch gun and two machine guns as their sole defensive armament outside of their speed, and as offensive weapons they carried a number of depth charges which they sought to release over .submerged submarines. Manning