"Emperor of The North Pole" is, as mentioned, one of the small remarkable films to come out of the 70's. "A Number One", (Lee Marvin) is the grizzled hobo legend, a veteran of the rails, decides to challenge the status quo of the local rail line that "Shack", (Ernest Borgine), as conductor runs as a 'Bo free train. This in itself would make for a interesting and picturesque little film but writer Christopher Knox and Director Robert Aldrich, include a few more interesting and unique characters such as Keith Carradine's, young dumb punk character, Cigaret and plot twists that create a genuine feel of a world going mad, which as the depression was going on - it was; you have a film that goes from good to outstanding. More than good vs evil study. Just how "good " is the character, "a No. 1" ? Not very, as we see but the Ernest Borgine, character "Shack", may just be as evil as film has portrayed. Not Freddy, evil, but right up there. Kieth Carrindine just might be playing one of the classic doofus roles of modern times. Watch it.
Ernest Borgine, has stated in interviews that this movie was one of his all time favorite role.
One personal complain I would have is the sound track really is pretty poor. They could have gone with traditional music from that era, but instead, they had a series of songs that were a 70's rock yet folk blend that really do not help the film out. Redo the soundtrack on it's next release!
Ernest Borgine, has stated in interviews that this movie was one of his all time favorite role.
One personal complain I would have is the sound track really is pretty poor. They could have gone with traditional music from that era, but instead, they had a series of songs that were a 70's rock yet folk blend that really do not help the film out. Redo the soundtrack on it's next release!