Northwest Passage
Northwest Passage

Movie spotlight

Northwest Passage

1940
Movie
126 min
English

Based on the Kenneth Roberts novel of the same name, this film tells the story of two friends who join Rogers' Rangers, as the legendary elite force engages the enemy during the French and Indian War. The film focuses on their famous raid at Fort St. Francis and their marches before and after the battle.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: King VidorGenres: Adventure, Drama, Western, War

Plot Summary

In 1759, Major Robert Rogers leads a band of Rangers on a perilous mission through the wilderness of North America to destroy a fortified Abenaki village. Rogers's ambition and obsession with finding a rumored passage to the Pacific Ocean drive the expedition, forcing his men to endure brutal conditions, starvation, and constant threat of attack. The film chronicles the arduous journey, highlighting the immense physical and mental toll on the soldiers as they confront the unforgiving elements and their own inner demons.

Critical Reception

Northwest Passage was generally well-received by critics for its epic scope, stunning Technicolor cinematography, and Spencer Tracy's commanding performance. While some found the pacing occasionally slow and the historical accuracy debatable, the film was praised for its adventurous spirit and impressive depiction of the wilderness. Audiences appreciated the action and historical drama, making it a solid box office performer.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual splendor and Spencer Tracy's powerful portrayal of Major Rogers.

  • Lauded for its adventurous narrative and depiction of historical struggles.

  • Some critics noted the film's length and historical liberties.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this classic film is not readily available on Google Reviews.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the earliest major Hollywood productions to be filmed entirely in Technicolor, contributing significantly to its visual impact and establishing a benchmark for outdoor adventure films of the era.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Rogers And His Jolly Green Rangers. Northwest Passage is directed by King Vidor and adapted to screenplay by Laurence Stallings and Talbot Jennings from the Kenneth Roberts novel of the same name. It stars Spencer Tracy, Robert Young and...