Canadian Pacific

Too stupid to really be bad or boring.

Randolph Scott was good. So was several of the other actors involved. Quite a few scenes that were strong too. A nice look at railway building and wonderful Canadian scenery. Yet, somehow Canadian Pacific (1949) doesn't become as likable experience as all that would suggest. Can't explain it.

Stupendously silly, but very entertaining western finds Scott more or less in Chuck Norris mode -- stone-faced, indestructible, but not above a chuckle and a wink to the audience. His somewhat old-fashioned romances with two hilariously age-inappropriate co-stars Olson and Wyatt are good for some non-PC giggles, and Marin proves again that he is the right director to bring style and distinction to these genre pieces. Definitely a modest achievement, but a very enjoyable one.