Call of the Wild

6/19/2022

Clark Gable is on fine form here as intrepid Yukon prospector "Jack Thornton". His lucky streak starts when he saves "Buck" - a big, loyal, half dog/half wolf from being shot. Then he alights on the good natured "Shorty" (Jack Oakie) who has his own equivalent of a treasure map. With an Herculean effort from his dog, he manages to win enough money to supply their quest and together with "Claire" (Loretta Young) whom he had previously rescued from the winter, off they set in search of gold... If it were just a rugged wilderness adventure, then this would have been a good film. Their battle against the terrain, the elements and the avaricious Reginald Owen ("Mr. Smith") who is out to out-claim them, is good and entertaining. Sadly, it isn't - the role of Young introduces a romantic element t