Emperor of the North

This is a great movie about an era of American history largely forgotten today. Hobos and Hoovervilles were a fact of our nation's history, one that not many of us remember. Consequently, we forget how hard times were during this period. We forgot what people were forced to do in order to survive. People had to scratch and claw just to make it. This movie reflects the necessity facing individuals of that time with great clarity. In portraying this era, the movie includes great action between sharply contrasting antagonists. The characters are portrayed by two of the 60s and 70s undervalued action stars of the era. Marvin is great, so is Earnest. Get this one and enjoy!!!!

What more can be said besides this is an awesome movie. Two great stars, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin together in one of their best perfomances. I enjoy watching this movie over and over again.

This film, though not a universally classic movie, is for many fans of railroad lore a classic indeed. I won't go into exhaustive detail about the movie because if you're considering it, you probably know about it already. It's been around for many years in railroad circles and is, except for the cheesy soundtrack, a really well made story of the old hobo lifestyle with beautiful shots of some great scenery and fine acting by Borgnine, Carradine and Marvin. The reason for this review is to herald the arrival of the DVD. The VHS version has been very hard to find over the years, but now, finally, the DVD is here. If you love this movie, or love the railroads, consider getting this DVD!

Emperor of the North is one of those movies that when one see it, one can't help, but wonder why no one hardly knows of it? Powerful acting, by powerful actors, and yet it's, as if, this movie doesn't even exist. The climax of this movie, with Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine fighting within that moving train box car is the toughest and meanest fight ever filmed. Thank goodness, that it is on DVD, because it's worth remembering.

If you like the oldies, you will like this movie. It is a drama centered in the days when indigent men traveled the rail lines across the states. Ernie Borgnine plays his usual bad guy and Lee Marvin is the hero, if you can call him that. Good story.