Watch Alaska Highway

The 1943 film Alaska Highway is a thrilling adventure drama directed by Frank McDonald and starring Richard Arlen, Jean Parker, and Ralph Sanford. The film is set during World War II, where the United States needs a route to connect the contiguous states with Alaska in order to fortify the northern coast against Japanese invasion. The movie begins with a group of civilians and soldiers, led by Captain Bailey (Arlen), starting on the dangerous mission of constructing a highway through the Alaskan Wilderness. The initial construction work involves the dangerous task of blasting through the mountains to create a path for the highway. Along the way, Captain Bailey and his team have to overcome many obstacles such as harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and manpower shortages.

The crew's biggest challenge is when one of their members goes missing while heading back to base camp after scouting the area, and Captain Bailey is forced to go search for him alone. Bailey braves the adverse weather conditions to locate the missing member and returns with him after discovering that the member had survived on his own.

As construction progresses, Bailey's men must contend with near-fatal accidents, tactical setbacks, and sabotage by enemy agents. The crew also experiences various moral and psychological pressures with each passing day, which increase as they draw closer to the finish line.

The romance between Captain Bailey and Jean Parker's character, Ruth, is another subplot in the film. Ruth, a nurse in Alaska, plays a pivotal role in the movie, having a profound effect on Bailey's decision-making and overall morale.

As the crew nears completion of the highway, their efforts are threatened by enemy shelling. However, with hard work and a never-say-die determination, Bailey and his men manage to complete the construction on time.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to spectacular views of the Alaskan wilderness, including impressive forests, snowcapped mountains, and awe-inspiring glaciers. The filmmakers make use of stunning landscapes and epic panoramas, effectively capturing the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the Alaskan terrain as well as the beauty and grandeur of the wilderness.

The acting by the cast is noteworthy, with Richard Arlen delivering a solid performance as the dedicated and determined Captain Bailey. Jean Parker, playing Ruth, is equally impressive, delivering an emotional and moving performance. The supporting cast is also commendable, from the soldiers working under Bailey to the local citizens who lend their support to the construction effort.

The film's cinematography and special effects are also remarkable, especially when considering the era in which it was made. The icy landscapes are stunningly captured, and the heat and danger of the road-building process are effectively portrayed.

Overall, Alaska Highway is a stirring and engaging movie that stands the test of time. Its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those who built it, alongside the patriotic theme of serving their country, gives the film all its strengths. Despite its age, it remains a classic piece of cinematic history that deserves to be watched and appreciated for its indisputable achievements.

Alaska Highway is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.