Northwest Passage

Ignoring the fact that the U.S. was not yet involved in World War II at the time this movie was released (1940) and thus none of Hollywood's leading men were in the service, one would be hardpressed to say who was a better actor than Spencer Tracy at this period. The man had just come off two back-to-back Best Actor Oscar wins ("Boy's Town" and "Captains Courageous") and was at the pinacle of his spectacular career when this movie was made. Asking if someone better than Spencer Tracy could be found in 1940 is like asking if someone better than Tom Hanks could be found in 1998 or better than Russell Crowe in 2002.

Spencer Tracy was an amazing actor and he does a terrific job bringing to life the legendary Robert Rogers. As a huge fan of the Kenneth Roberts' book upon which this movie is based, I confess that everytime I read Rogers' dialogue I hear the voice of Spencer Tracy. That's how good Tracy embodies this character. He really demonstrates the courage, determination, and command presence of the man. Tracy's "Major Rogers" is the kind of man you would follow into combat! Yet Tracy also brings out the human side of this legend- hints of Rogers' failings are dropped on occasion and showing his breakdown when he realises that a promise he made to his men will not be kept by reasons out his control. It's a great performance and it truly propels the movie.

The only problem with Tracy's casting in this role was not his talent, the man was at the TOP of his profession in 1940, but his age. The real Robert Rogers was just in his mid 20's when he leaped onto the pages of history and legend. Spencer Tracy was well past age 40 when he made this movie. Yet, most people aren't aware how young some historical figures really were and generally have no problem with middle-aged actors playing these parts. (I noticed this trend in reading reviews for "Glory" and the recently released "The Alamo." Some reviewers complained that the actors who play Col. Robert Shaw in "Glory" and William Travis in "The Alamo" are too young which ignores the fact that Shaw and Travis were both just 26 when they died.)


A very good view of the French & Indian War   October 21, 2003
Mae Talbott (Hagerstown, MD United States)
Northwest Passage is a very good account of the attack on St. Francis. It is very accurate in many ways and I recommend it highly.
Robert Young plays a fictitious character shot though the mid-section and was still able to walk all the way back to civilization. Beleive-it-or-not, it did happen. I believe the real man's name was Lt.Ogdon. He did survive such a wound in that battle.
Spencer Tracy is excellent as usual and the scenery is beautiful.
Some will say that the film is racist and brutal. It was; but this is an historical film and you must view it, or any historical film or book, with the morals of the time in which it is set. You cannot look at it with present-day morals. If you are unable to do so, then, to be an educated person, you need to read more history and learn what things were like and what people thought about the American Indians, and the French for that matter, in the 1750's and 60's. Thus you will learn how far we have come in the last 200 years in our relations with other peoples. We may not be perfect yet, but we're getting there.


White Punks In The Wilderness   January 25, 2003
I liked K Robert's books. I expected a good adventure movie, and of course some typical stereotyping of Native Americans,but an old movie safe for children because it was unlikely to have sexual content. What followed was much worse. As a native person I am deeply offended by the blatant racism of this movie. All of the Indians were depicted as: 1)drunks, 2)liars, 3)idiots,4)flabby weaklings, 5)and certainly pawns in the hands of amitious dominant culture people. And certainly not the truth of what happened in our country. Talk about perpetuating blatant myths and stereotypes! Mr Tracy and friends conquer the wilderness, cast out and kill the idiot native people who were just fine for thousands of years. (come to think of it though, it was very similar to the massacre right here in my own part of the state...)
Thousands of Native Amer men and women have served our great USA in combat, many giving their lives for you and me. This movie was typical of some movies of its time- encouraging individuals to sign up for active duty in WWII. However, it was made by someone with a very mean streak. I rate it up there with Little Black Sambo. Imagine children getting hold of this movie, thinking that this is what Native Amer people were and are like... Its time for people to acknowledge and embrace the principles of the US Constitution, which by the way, was shaped on principles borrowed from Native Amer tribal govt. Walk in balance.


Spencer?   December 20, 2001
John M. White (Houston, Texas USA)
Northwest Passage is one of Kenneth Roberts' best books and this film hardly does it justice. I have enjoyed the film several times and will do so several more in the future. However, if one reads the book before seeing this there will be disappointment. The characters in the book are so much more impressive than the movie allows. Most of the Rangers in the film are not what one envisions going on the raid and enduring the hardships that few would attempt.I realize many of the better actors were fulfilling an obligation to country (WW II) and therefore unavailable for roles, but Spencer Tracy would never be the best choice as Rogers. Read the book for a much better ride, but enjoy the film also. Now, if we can find someone to make a film from Roberts' book, Arundel...