The Silver Horde (1930)

Set in the Alaskan wilderness, a former gold prospector (Joel McCrea) joins forces with an ex-prostitute (Evelyn Brent) in starting a fishing cannery business. But his business and romantic rival (Gavin Gordon, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN) vows to stop him anyway he can. Based on the Rex Beach novel which was previously filmed in 1920. The character of Cherry Malotte who figured prominently in Beach's THE SPOILERS (she was played by Dietrich in the 1942 film version) shows up again here, this time played by the appealing Brent who starred in a few Von Sternberg silents like UNDERWORLD and THE LAST COMMAND. McCrea is still a bit wet behind the ears at the stage of his career but also in the cast as his socialite fiancee is Jean Arthur who would soon become a major star in her own right. As for the film itself, it benefits from being shot on location in the Alaskan outdoors rather than studio sets and if you ever wanted to see how salmon is caught and canned, this is the movie for you! For an early talkie, it's quite fluid and lively. A mixture of action and romance nicely balanced. Directed by George Archainbaud. With Louis Wolheim, Blanche Sweet and Raymond Hatton.