Written by Ernest K Gann, the film tells the story of Dooley and his crew of airmen in their struggle to survive a soft landing in the Canadian Northlands. What tools they have to survive are limited to six days meager rations, shelter, guns, and a coffee can power generator. Add to the mix, 40 below zero and the threat of a storm, and a very wide search, and you have setting, character, and conflict, all in one. The cast includes John Wayne, Lloyd Nolan, Walter Abel, James Arness, Andy Devine and a young Harry Carey Jr. John Wayne, as Dooley, is a strong leader who lets no crack show to his men. It's only in the end that he reveals that he has six children. A rag tag band of six fight the elements and build a strong team that death can only destroy. One man cracks, and falls prey to the swirling wind and cold. Andy Devine, Harry Carey Jr, and James Arness give strong performances that make this film effective all the way around. If I were to be a nit picker and find anything wrong with this film, it's the weather. The photography is beautiful, and the Canadian Arctic is a stellar background to the flying cargo holds (or Islands in the Sky). Now, being a Canadian and having been outside in that range, it is cold and six days outside, even with shelter, you get slower, not faster.
The special features on this disc make it a very good documentary on a classic film. In no particular order, the bonuses are:
Leonard Maltin introduction
Audio commentary
The Making of Island in the Sky
Ernest K Gann
Flight school, the art of aerial photography
The John Wayne Stock company: Harry Carey Jr
Newsreel footage, Theatrical Trailer
Gunsmoke Promo
Batjac montage and photo gallery
Duke fans will enjoy this DVD, if not for the film itself, for the look into the production of "Island." This will sell quick folks, so hop over to your local video store, or online at your favorite retailer. Online, check out www.paramount.com/homeentertainment or www.johnwayneondvd.com .
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