North to Alaska

Johnny Horton's theme song for this marvellous roistering action film went to number four in the US charts, creating massive public awareness and popularity for this splendid comedy adventure. In a sparkling cast, John Wayne stars as gold prospector Big Sam, with the always underrated (especially by himself) Stewart Granger as his wily partner. The eclectic casting also includes teen idol Fabian as Granger's unlikely sibling, and the acerbic Ernie Kovacs as a confidence trickster. Veteran director Henry Hathaway keeps up the pace and humour, and the movie contains one of the wildest, wackiest bar-room brawls in Hollywood history.