DbcultAccessing Vault...
6.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Headin' North remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
So, "Headin' North." Is it worth your time today? Absolutely, if you've got a soft spot for those older Westerns that maybe don't take themselves too seriously. Folks who enjoy a good chase with a weird, unexpected detour will probably dig this one. But if you're looking for slick modern action or a perfectly polished story, you might find yourself a bit bored.
The whole thing kicks off with Jim Curtis, played by Bob Steele, doing what any good son would: helping his dad escape a sticky situation with the law. Jim’s loyalty, it’s just *there* from the first frame. Then, it's a straight-up chase. Marshall, played by J. Gunnis Davis, isn't particularly menacing, more like a really determined bloodhound.
Then comes the moment. Jim and his buddy Snicker, Walter Shumway, stumble upon two actors on the road. What do they do? They swap clothes. Just like that. It's such a classic, old-school movie move, and it happens with this kind of brisk confidence. The marshal is left kinda scratching his head, staring at two bewildered actors. 🤷
This is where "Headin' North" takes its big swing. Suddenly, our cowboy heroes are forced into a vaudeville act. The transition is almost jarring, but in a fun way. You can almost feel the movie going, 'Alright, let's just roll with this!' And it does. It leans into it *so much*.
The vaudeville skits, they're not exactly Broadway material, but there's a certain charm. A little clunky, sure. But watching Jim, this serious cowboy, try to navigate a stage act, it’s endearing. It's a genuine laugh sometimes.
The pacing here is interesting. The chase felt quick and to the point. But the time spent in the saloon, doing these skits, it settles in. It gives you a chance to actually breathe a bit before the next big thing.
And that 'next big thing' is Jim finding the guy who caused all the trouble for his dad, right there in the same saloon. It’s not some grand, dramatic reveal, you know? It’s almost casual. Like, 'Oh, hey, *you* again.' It makes you wonder how big this town even is.
The villain, S.S. Simon, he plays it with a sneer you just want to wipe off. His presence isn't overplayed. He's just *there*, a constant low-level irritation until Jim has to do something about it.
One specific shot that stuck with me: there's this close-up on Jim’s face during one of the acts, and for a split second, you see the wheels turning. He's performing, but he's also plotting. He's not just a cowboy; he's a thinker.
The movie doesn't bother with elaborate fight choreography. When things happen, they happen fast. A punch, a tumble, then it's done. Very much in keeping with the quick, no-nonsense style of these older films. No time for fancy stuff, just get it over with.
Snicker, Jim's pal, he's mostly there for support. He doesn't get a huge character arc, but his reactions to Jim's predicament, especially the vaudeville bit, are quite good. He’s the grounding force, the guy who just goes along for the ride, no matter how wild it gets.
Did I mention the saloon set? It feels lived-in, not just a backdrop. The way the light hits the dusty tables, it just feels authentic. Little details like that make a difference.
Ultimately, "Headin' North" is a reminder that old Westerns weren't always just about dusty trails and shootouts. Sometimes they took these wild, unexpected detours. And for that, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for something a bit different, a little rough around the edges, but with a whole lot of heart. It's a simple story that becomes something more memorable because it's willing to get a little weird. ✨
IMDb 5.8
1924
Community
Log in to comment.
