Klondike Annie - Classic Comedy-Drama DVD

Product Information

• UPC: 5050582344318
• Product Type: DVD
• Region: 2 PAL DVD
• Color: Black & White
• Made In: UK
• Audio: English mono
• Total Runtime: 74 minutes

Overview

Klondike Annie is a 1936 black-and-white comedy-drama film directed by the renowned filmmaker Raoul Walsh, celebrated for his ability to blend action, emotion, and character depth into compelling narratives. The film stars the iconic Mae West—one of Hollywood’s most provocative and influential figures of the early 20th century—alongside the formidable Victor McLaglen. Unfolding with flair and moral ambiguity, the film stands out as one of West’s more serious and introspective works, departing in tone from some of her earlier, more overtly comedic roles. It is adapted from Mae West’s own 1921 stage play Frisco Kate, co-written with Marion Morgan and George Brendan Dowell, which allowed her to retain creative control and bring her distinct voice and style to the screen.

Set against the backdrop of 1910s America and the remote, harsh climate of the Alaskan frontier, Klondike Annie tells the story of Rose Carlton, affectionately and famously known in San Francisco’s Chinatown nightlife as “The Frisco Doll.” Rose is a woman of immense charm, strength, and vulnerability—trapped in a dangerous, possessive relationship with a powerful man named Chan Lo, who serves as both her lover and keeper. When their relationship turns violent, Rose, acting in self-defense, kills Chan Lo and finds herself at the mercy of a justice system unlikely to view her actions with compassion.

Determined to escape both the law and her former life, Rose flees San Francisco aboard a northbound steamer en route to the isolated gold rush town of Nome, Alaska. While on the voyage, she encounters Sister Annie Alden, a deeply religious and altruistic missionary traveling to revive a dwindling mission and bring hope to a struggling community in the far north. The two women, though seemingly worlds apart, form an unlikely connection. Annie sees something redeemable in Rose, while Rose is moved, perhaps for the first time, by genuine kindness without judgment.

Tragedy strikes mid-journey when Sister Annie suddenly passes away. Faced with the danger of being discovered and arrested if she continues her voyage as herself, Rose makes a fateful decision—she takes on Annie’s identity, disguising herself as the pious missionary in order to safely disembark in Nome and begin anew. This impersonation sets in motion a narrative rich with moral complexity, deception, and transformation, as Rose tries to reconcile her past with the expectations and responsibilities of her assumed role.

Product Features

• Format: DVD
• Color: Black & White
• Audio Options: English mono
• Total Runtime: 74 minutes of classic Mae West entertainment

Interesting Facts

• Mae West's Multi-Talented Role: Mae West not only stars in the film but also significantly contributed to its creation through her earlier play, showcasing her talents as an actress, writer, and producer.
• Cultural Reflection: The film captures the essence of the pre-Code era in Hollywood, where films began to explore more daring themes and characters, paving the way for future storytelling in cinema.
• Character Transformation: The film presents a unique look at identity and survival, as Rose's transformation into Sister Annie reflects broader themes of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity.

Publishers

This Klondike Annie DVD is a classic entry in the realm of Mae West's filmography, showcasing her influential role in early Hollywood cinema.

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#KlondikeAnnie #MaeWest #ClassicFilm #RaoulWalsh #BlackAndWhiteCinema #ComedyDrama #GoldenAgeOfHollywood #TransformationStory