Watch Nomads of the North

In Nomads of the North, a 1920 silent film directed by David Hartford, Lon Chaney stars as a fur trapper named Alaskan. The film is set in the Canadian wilderness, where Alaskan is on a mission to capture a dangerous criminal named Pierre (played by Lewis Stone), who is wanted for murder. Alaskan is accompanied on his quest by a young orphan boy named Rene (Melbourne MacDowell), who he has taken under his wing. The two are forced to rely on each other as they travel through the harsh terrain, facing danger at every turn.

As they journey further into the wilderness, Alaskan and Rene encounter the nomadic Eskimos and witness their way of life. The film depicts the traditional Eskimo culture in a respectful and authentic manner, showing their hunting and fishing techniques as well as their daily routines.

The relationship between Alaskan and Rene is central to the film's storyline. Alaskan is a tough and grizzled trapper who is initially reluctant to take Rene with him on his mission. However, as they spend more time together, Alaskan begins to care for the boy and develops a fatherly bond with him.

Meanwhile, Pierre remains elusive and dangerous, always one step ahead of Alaskan and Rene. The tension builds as the two come closer to capturing Pierre, with several action-packed chase scenes and confrontations.

One of the film's most memorable scenes is a chase sequence involving a pack of wolves. Alaskan and Rene are being pursued by the wolves, and they must use their wits and survival skills to escape. The scene is exciting and suspenseful, with Lon Chaney's expressive face conveying the danger and urgency of the situation.

Nomads of the North is a beautifully shot film, with stunning cinematography of the Canadian wilderness. The film was shot on location in Alberta, Canada, and the natural landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop to the story.

In addition to its impressive visuals, Nomads of the North is notable for its portrayal of Eskimo culture. The film was praised by critics at the time for its accurate depiction of the nomadic lifestyle, and it remains a valuable record of traditional Eskimo culture.

The performances in the film are also top-notch, with Lon Chaney delivering a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Alaskan. Chaney was known for his ability to transform himself into a wide range of characters through makeup and physicality, and Nomads of the North is no exception. Lewis Stone is also effective as the menacing Pierre, and Melbourne MacDowell brings a youthful energy to the role of Rene.

Overall, Nomads of the North is a thrilling and visually stunning film that showcases the talent of its cast and crew. Its portrayal of Eskimo culture is respectful and authentic, and the storyline is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The film is a must-see for fans of silent cinema and anyone interested in the history of Canadian film.

Nomads of the North is a 1920 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.