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Emperor of the North Pole Movie Review Summary

Actors: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Keith Carradine

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Emperor of the North Pole


Emperor of the North Pole (later retitled Emperor of the North for no good reason) is a 1973 drama film set in the United States during the Great Depression.
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"A No. 1" (Marvin) is widely known and highly respected in the hobo community. He takes a liking to a brash, overly cocky newcomer named "Cigaret" (Carradine) and takes him under his wing. Together they hop a ride on the No. 19 freight train, though Cigaret is caught by Shack (Borgnine), the sadistic conductor. Shack has the well-earned reputation of keeping his train free of hobos and positively enjoys hurting or even killing anyone who tries to trespass on his domain.

A No. 1 takes up the challenge, brazenly having it written on a water tower for all to see that he intends to ride the 19 all the way to Portland on a specific day. Shack grudgingly acknowledges that A No. 1 is the one hobo who might be able to pull it off. Soon there is widespread betting on the outcome. However, when A No. 1 injures his ankle, Cigaret shows his true colors, calling him an over-the-hill has been and deciding to take on Shack himself. Cigaret proves to be no match for the conductor. Before Shack can finish him off however, A No. 1 appears. The two titans engage in a knock-down, drag-out, no-holds-barred fight. In the end, A No. 1 has Shack at his mercy, but rather than killing him, A No. 1 just shoves him off the speeding train. When Cigaret starts boasting about how they beat Shack, A No. 1 tosses him off as well, telling him he doesn't have what it takes to be the king of the hobos, the Emperor of the North Pole.


Best part of story, including ending: It's an interesting look at 1930s hobo culture. The two main characters are also compelling. Cigaret, on the other hand, is just plain annoying.

Best scene in story: When a cop (played by Simon Oakley) makes a serious mistake when he
chases A No. 1 and Cigaret into a hostile hobo camp. A No. 1 forces him to do some embarrassing (though harmless) things, such as crowing like a rooster, before letting him go.


Opinion about the main character: A No. 1 is just as tough and classy as he thinks he is.


The review of this Movie prepared by J. Lee a Level 10 Peregrine Falcon scholar

Script Analysis of Emperor of the North Pole

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Plot & Themes

Time/era of movie:    -   1930's-1950's Job/Profession/Poverty Story?    -   Yes Job:    -   bum/drifter

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Profession/status:    -   unemployed Age:    -   40's-50's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White American

Setting

United States    -   Yes The US:    -   West Misc setting    -   moving train

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   moderately detailed references to deaths Any profanity?    -   Occasional swearing Is this movie based on a    -   book

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