Passed | 1h 15min | Adventure, Drama, Romance | 21 June 1931 (USA)
Considered "one of the most important Canadian films ever made” (National Archives of Canada), The Viking is an epic (and very loose) adaptation of the tragic events at the turn of the century, where hundreds of brave Newfoundlanders lost their lives during their annual seal culls. It follows a conflict between two rural men out to sea and onto the ice floes where they settle their differences for good and all.
The film, which was originally named White Thunder, is widely considered to be the first to make use of location sound recording. While filming additional scenes, the producer and two-dozen other crew members aboard the SS Viking were killed from an explosion.
Two Newfoundlanders – good guy Luke Oarum (Charles Starrett) and bully Jed Nelson (Arthur Vinton) – compete for the love of Mary Jo (Louise Huntington). Not wanting to leave Luke alone with Mary Jo, Jed ensures that his rival comes seal hunting with him on a ship skippered by Captain Barker (Bob Bartlett), even though Luke has a reputation as a “jinker” – someone who brings bad luck to his shipmates.
Director: George Melford
Writers: Garnett Weston (story), Garnett Weston (scenario and dialogue)
Stars: Charles Starrett, Louise Huntington, Arthur Vinton
