Copyright 24 June 1952 by Universal Pictures Co., Inc. A Universal- International Picture. U.S. release: August 1952. No New York opening. U.K. release through General Film Distributors: 6 October 1952. Australian release: 28 November 1952. 8 reels. 76 minutes.
Alternate title: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO LOST IN ALASKA.
SYNOPSIS: Two firemen become involved with a group of killers when they follow a wealthy prospector to Alaska in 1898.
NOTES: Child star Mitzi Green's first adult role, and her second last film appearance. "Bloodhounds of Broadway" (1952) was her last.
COMMENT: In view of its bad reputation, this entry came across as a surprisingly amusing A&C comedy. The team's usual writer, John Grant, may not be credited on this one, but he is certainly present in spirit, for the boys go through some mighty familiar routines, including a reprise of the squirting oyster from "The Naughty Nineties" (1945) which was also directed by Jean Yarbrough.
Admittedly, our boys are below their best, and director Yarbrough seems equally uninspired. But the film is well produced. The Klondike settings are quite elaborately realized.
I also like the film because some curious people are in it, including Tom Ewell as the love-sick schnook (much the same type of role in fact he was later to play with such acclaim in "The Seven Year Itch"); Mitzi Green, the former child star of such classics as "Tom Sawyer" (1930), "Skippy" (1931) and "Huckleberry Finn" (1931), making a comeback after a screen absence of eighteen years. (Although she's handed a couple of songs, she makes little impression, alas!).
Bruce Cabot, always one of my favorite character players, can particularly be trusted for a colorful study in villainy; and adding to the histrionic fun are a fine array of other cameo players including Jack Ingram, Emory Parnell, Minerva Urecal and Billy Wayne.
Alternate title: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO LOST IN ALASKA.
SYNOPSIS: Two firemen become involved with a group of killers when they follow a wealthy prospector to Alaska in 1898.
NOTES: Child star Mitzi Green's first adult role, and her second last film appearance. "Bloodhounds of Broadway" (1952) was her last.
COMMENT: In view of its bad reputation, this entry came across as a surprisingly amusing A&C comedy. The team's usual writer, John Grant, may not be credited on this one, but he is certainly present in spirit, for the boys go through some mighty familiar routines, including a reprise of the squirting oyster from "The Naughty Nineties" (1945) which was also directed by Jean Yarbrough.
Admittedly, our boys are below their best, and director Yarbrough seems equally uninspired. But the film is well produced. The Klondike settings are quite elaborately realized.
I also like the film because some curious people are in it, including Tom Ewell as the love-sick schnook (much the same type of role in fact he was later to play with such acclaim in "The Seven Year Itch"); Mitzi Green, the former child star of such classics as "Tom Sawyer" (1930), "Skippy" (1931) and "Huckleberry Finn" (1931), making a comeback after a screen absence of eighteen years. (Although she's handed a couple of songs, she makes little impression, alas!).
Bruce Cabot, always one of my favorite character players, can particularly be trusted for a colorful study in villainy; and adding to the histrionic fun are a fine array of other cameo players including Jack Ingram, Emory Parnell, Minerva Urecal and Billy Wayne.