Emperor of the North Pole facts for kids

Emperor of the North Pole is a 1973 American adventure drama movie. It was directed by Robert Aldrich and stars famous actors like Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, and Keith Carradine. The movie was released by 20th Century Fox.

What is "Emperor of the North Pole" About?

This movie tells an exciting story set during the Great Depression in the 1930s. It focuses on a tough battle between two main characters: a skilled hobo named A-No.1 and a mean train conductor named Shack. Hobos were people who traveled by illegally riding freight trains, often looking for work or a better life during hard times.

The story takes place on a train, which is a key part of the adventure. A-No.1 is known as the best hobo, someone who can ride any train without being caught. Shack, the conductor, is determined to stop all hobos from riding his train, especially A-No.1.

The Story's Setting: The Great Depression

The movie is set in the 1930s, a time when many people in the United States faced great hardship. This period is known as the Great Depression. Millions of people lost their jobs and homes. Because of this, some people became hobos, traveling across the country on trains to find work or food.

Life was very difficult during this time. People often had to rely on their wits and courage to survive. The movie shows how tough it was for hobos and how they tried to make a living. It also highlights the strict rules and dangers they faced while traveling.

Main Characters: A Hobo and a Conductor

The movie's main conflict comes from the two strong characters, A-No.1 and Shack. They both have very different ideas about who should control the trains.

A-No.1: The King of Hobos

A-No.1, played by Lee Marvin, is a legendary hobo. He is very clever and brave. He takes pride in his ability to ride any train without being caught. For A-No.1, riding the trains is a symbol of freedom and defiance against the hard times. He is respected by other hobos for his skills and his spirit. He sees himself as a master of the rails.

Shack: The Tough Conductor

Shack, played by Ernest Borgnine, is the train's conductor. He is very strict and mean. Shack believes that hobos are a nuisance and should not be allowed on his train. He takes great pleasure in throwing hobos off, even if it means putting them in danger. He sees himself as the absolute ruler of his train. Shack's goal is to keep his train completely free of any unauthorized riders.

The Big Train Chase

The main part of the movie is the intense struggle between A-No.1 and Shack. A-No.1 tries to ride Shack's train, known as the "number 19," which is considered impossible to ride without being caught. Shack uses every trick he knows to stop A-No.1. This leads to many exciting and dangerous moments on the moving train.

The movie shows their battle of wills and strength. It's not just about who wins, but about the fight for control and respect. The train itself becomes a battleground for their different ways of life.

Why This Movie is Important

Emperor of the North Pole is more than just an adventure movie. It explores themes like freedom, survival, and the human spirit. It shows how people faced challenges during the Great Depression. The movie also looks at the idea of rules and breaking them, and what it means to be truly free. It's a story about determination and the will to overcome obstacles, even when the odds are against you.