The Chechahcos

Starring: William Dills, Albert Van Antwerp, Eva Gordon, Alexis B. Luce, Gladys Johnston
Directed by: Lewis H. Moomaw
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Adventure, Drama
1924

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two prospectors (William Dills, Albert Van Antwerp) narrowly escape a fire on boat to Alaska. They rescue a young girl who has lost her mother. Believing her to be dead, they raise her themselves. Meanwhile, her mother (Eva Gordon) tries to search for her daughter, but finds herself caught in the web of a scheming gambler (Alexis B. Luce).

Review:

Tim: I really enjoyed The Chechahcos (even if I have no idea how to pronounce the title) and would have enjoyed it more if it weren't for a few flaws. But, flaws aside, this is an epic adventure film that is notable for being the first movie filmed entirely in Alaska. There's even a moment in the film where a title card lets the audience know they are about to see the first footage ever taken of Mt. McKinely (or Denali, as the preferred name). That's impressive, and it added to the film. I loved the Alaskan wilderness as the backdrop. There are some stunning scenes throughout the film- of the mountain, of dangerously fast and powerful rivers, of amazing glaciers. The landscape of Alaska is what sets this film apart- it feels all the more real- and dangerous- because of the environment we see the characters in.

The story itself is interesting, although there are a few weak points in the script. I love the idea of two gold prospectors having to raise a little girl by themselves. This is mostly told well, except for a few odd moments. There is an uncomfortable scene where the young, young girl is undressing in front of them. The scene is probably harmless, and one does grab a blanket to block it, but it still felt a bit creepy. There's also the fact that the two men don't exactly turn over every stone to reunite the girl with her mother- plus, one of them makes a baffling, stupid decision that maybe was kosher in the 1920s in the wilds of Alaska, but could likely land a man in jail today. I thought some of these odd decisions hurt the overall quality of the film. Perhaps these wouldn't have been an issue in 1924, but they seem odd today. Without spoiling anything, I thought it extremely odd of the relationship of the girl when she grows up.

I absolutely want to mention the cast. I was blown away by William Dills. He was incredible in this film- he gave a gruff, hardened performance that was also notable for how warm and kind it was. He displayed all these characteristics simultaneously, and it worked. He had real, true screen presence. I loved him in this film, even if I didn't always agree with his character's actions. He is the ideal hardened, kind American actor.

I can't say the same for his costar, Albert Van Antwerp. Van Antwerp is an American actor, too, but I never got the same sense from him. He appeared a bit weak, and overacted too much. He was fine, and actually had some good moments, but overall, he wasn't up to par with his costar. The rest of the supporting cast is fine, but no one compares to Dills- he was the star of the film.

There are some really effective scenes of action and suspense. I was impressed with the scope of this film- it looked absolutely massive. I've read (but can't/haven't confirmed if it's true) that Charlie Chaplin lifted the scene of the climbers going over the pass in a single-column line for his 1925 The Gold Rush. That's pretty cool.

The Chechahcos is a movie that does occasionally sway into the melodramatic. However, it's an interesting, exciting, adventurous movie that is greatly helped by the beautiful Alaskan landscape all around it. I enjoyed this movie, and I would easily recommend it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Gold Rush, North to Alaska