Radio review – Lux – “Northwest Frontier” (1942) *1/2

The Cecil B de Mille film was listed by Harry Medved as one of the 50th worst films of all time, which is a little harsh, but it wasn’t that good – nor is this radio version. The unusual setting gives it novelty – Riel’s Rebellion in 19th century Canada – but too much time is spent on Gary Cooper, in one of his most irritating aw-shucks performances, as a Texas Ranger pursuing a bandit. There are subplots involving his dopey romance with Madeleine Carroll (awful dialogue), Carrol’s cowardly boyfriend and his dodgy lover. The acting from the cast is either stiff or over the top and it’s fairly laughable. Poor Canada.