one of The Duke's worst

A very entertaining movie. Lighthearted, and there's nothing wrong with that. If they were all "On the Waterfront" we would have a very depressing world.

Since when does every Western have to be heavyhearted to be entertaining? "North to Alaska" is part dramatic Western, part farce and part romantic comedy, yet somehow it magically meshes into a splendid time.

It starts out on a questionable note with the dreadful title song and a silly saloon brawl, but immediately following this the story captured my attention and I found myself entering into the world of the characters.

The protagonists are likable and the flick makes the viewer sympathize with Angel's plight (Capucine), hoping she'll eventually hook up with Sam (Wayne). One amusing sequence is when she's alone in the wilderness cabin with the kid (Fabian) wherein he instantly falls in lust with her. And who can blame him?

The forest festival in the first act is also good, particularly the thrilling pole (tree) climbing contest. To be expected, there are also a couple of action shootouts. The movie's similar in tone to 1963's "McLintock!" but more compelling and overall entertaining IMHO.

I don't mind it being a comedy, but I didn't find it that interesting.