This adventure drama takes place in the Pacific Northwest during the depths of the Great Depression when hobo-ism was prolific due to joblessness.
Ernest Borgnine is Shack, a legendary sadistic railroad agent of the Oregon Pacific Train #19, determined that no "bo" is ever going to ride one of his trains. He delights in wreaking whatever havoc he can on the hobo unfortunate (or stupid) enough to attempt to ride "his" train.
Lee Marvin is A#1, an equally legendary hobo, who goes and rides whatever he pleases. He is just as determined to ride Shack's train to prove he is "King Of The North". Keith Carradine is Cigaret, a young brash hobo who challenges A#1 in word and deed, but actually admires him.
There is some truly fine photography here and the depression era atmosphere is captured perfectly by realistic sets.
But there is not much plot and what there is, is mostly predictable, leading up to the exciting final confrontation between Shack, A#1, and Cigaret.
I found some of the dialog especially between A#1 and Cigaret to be obtuse, more like a couple of philosophy student dropouts talking, rather than the earthy exchange we would expect between hobos in the 1930s.
Still all 3 turn in decent performances, with Borgnine exceptional as the antagonist. A good bet if you like these actors and/or this historical era. This film is a must see for steam train lovers and the viewer may even learn something about railroad operations.
All said, I found the plot weak and the ending unsatisfying. I just am not as enthusiastic as some of the fans on IMDb and while not a bad film I wanted it to be better.
Ernest Borgnine is Shack, a legendary sadistic railroad agent of the Oregon Pacific Train #19, determined that no "bo" is ever going to ride one of his trains. He delights in wreaking whatever havoc he can on the hobo unfortunate (or stupid) enough to attempt to ride "his" train.
Lee Marvin is A#1, an equally legendary hobo, who goes and rides whatever he pleases. He is just as determined to ride Shack's train to prove he is "King Of The North". Keith Carradine is Cigaret, a young brash hobo who challenges A#1 in word and deed, but actually admires him.
There is some truly fine photography here and the depression era atmosphere is captured perfectly by realistic sets.
But there is not much plot and what there is, is mostly predictable, leading up to the exciting final confrontation between Shack, A#1, and Cigaret.
I found some of the dialog especially between A#1 and Cigaret to be obtuse, more like a couple of philosophy student dropouts talking, rather than the earthy exchange we would expect between hobos in the 1930s.
Still all 3 turn in decent performances, with Borgnine exceptional as the antagonist. A good bet if you like these actors and/or this historical era. This film is a must see for steam train lovers and the viewer may even learn something about railroad operations.
All said, I found the plot weak and the ending unsatisfying. I just am not as enthusiastic as some of the fans on IMDb and while not a bad film I wanted it to be better.
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