Northwest Passage, helmed by King Vidor, presents a screenplay by Laurence Stallings and Talbot Jennings, based on Kenneth Roberts’ novel. The cast includes Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, and Walter Brennan; Herbert Stothart composed the score, while William V. Skall and Sidney Wagner handled the cinematography. The film begins with this declaration: "This is a story of our early America….of the century of conflict with French and Indians….when necessity made simple men, unknown to history, into giants in daring and endurance. It begins in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1759…." It’s exciting that this film has such a strong reputation as an adventure movie; that opening really makes you want to see it. What unfolds is primarily a visually impressive film, full of action sequences, focused on authentic heroes rather than grand displays of heroism. The initial sixty minutes definitely favor a deliberate pace over fast-moving excitement. However, the characters are well-developed by Vidor and his collaborators, supported by strong performances from the main actors. When the action arrives, like the impressive battle at the Abenaki village, it rewards the viewer's patience. We should be willing to overlook the obvious racism that runs through the story and instead celebrate men overcoming numerous challenges, both mental and physical. It earns a 7/10.

Source on TMDB