The Great Alaskan Race: The Origin Of The Iditarod
The Great Alaskan Race is based on events that inspired the Iditarod dogsled race. The gripping film champions the under-dog and I promise you will be on the edge of your seat rooting for a happy ending.
Photo: P12 Films
We all know the story of the brave husky Balto who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska. But is there more to the story? Read on to see how writer-director Brian Presley brings to life the gripping lesser known story within the race to end a pandemic.
The Great Alaskan Race Synopsis:
In the winter of 1925, widowed father and champion musher Leonhard ‘Sepp’ Seppala steps up in the midst of a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska to deliver the anti-toxin to the hospital. With his own child’s life on the line, Sepp battles the impossible, accompanied by his pack of sled dogs led by 12 year old Togo.
The Trailer:
The Great Alaskan Race Non-Spoiler Review:
We have all heard about Balto however what about the other heroes who braved the 1925 serum run? Leonhard Seppala and his 12 year old husky Togo are two of the unsung heroes of the Iditarod origin. Presley’s film brings Seppala’s story to life in dramatic fashion. “Sepp” is a Norwegian immigrant who moved out West looking for gold. He got married, had a beautiful daughter and sadly lost his beloved wife to the flu. He volunteered to cover the longest leg (350 miles) of the nearly 700 mile sprint across blizzard beaten Alaska to deliver a desperately needed diphtheria antitoxin.
The Great Alaskan Race is cinematographically beautiful. The scenes of the race against time across the frozen Norton Sound are breathtaking. The dangerous conditions are amplified when the musher Wild Bill Shannon asks: “You know the rule of 40? Never run a dog at 40 above or 40 below!” Children’s lives are at stake and the blizzard conditions reach well below the -40 degrees warned of. Danger lurks for everyone and the odds seem impossible to over-come. I won’t spoil the details but I will tell you that I used multiple tissues and the tears in my eyes were surpassed only by the snow on the screen.
The Bottom Line:
Take your kids to see this film. My tween loved it. He was mesmerized by the action and captivated by the history behind the Balto statue that he walks by weekly. The circumstances in the film are sad, but the main message that “anything is possible” resonates. This is a film that truly reminds us of the importance of having faith, never giving up and the power of resilience. Some might dislike that the film glosses over “Sepp’s” immigrant roots or white washes the Native American presence in the story. With a film of this scope there are unfortunately always liberties taken. I am not discounting these omissions and I do think the film would have been more historically accurate and interesting if they were explored more.
Cast:
- Leonhard Seppala- Brian Presley
- Dr. Welch- Treat Williams
- Mayor Maynard- Brad Leland
- Thompson- Henry Thomas
- Governor Bone- Bruce Davison
- Wild Bill- James Russo
- Constance- Brea Bee
- Sigrid- Emma Presley
The Moms Network Event:
My son is a huge Balto fan. He insists that we take a photo with the Balto statue every time we walk through Central Park.
We would like to thank the Moms Network for the opportunity to preview The Great Alaskan Race and attend a Q&A with Brian Presley and The Moms.
Denise Albert from The Moms Network and Ootek
Brian Presley and his hybrid wolf dog Ootek met our group and posed for pictures with the iconic Balto Statue in Central Park.
Balto in Central Park
Although more than 150 dogs and 20 mushers participated in the relay, Balto became the sole media superstar. Within weeks, Balto went on a nine month vaudeville tour and received a Hollywood contract. Balto was present on December 17, 1925 when a bronze statue in his likeness by Brooklyn born sculptor Frederick George Richard Roth was unveiled.
You can visit Balto’s statue in Central Park west of East Drive and 67th Street and north of the Zoo.
Ootek is a good boy!
You can learn more about The Great Alaskan Race by visiting their social channels:
By Supporting The Great Alaskan Race, You are supporting the following Non-Profit Organizations:
- Iditarod
- Deity
- Battle Dawgs
- Hope is Alive
- Beargrease
- Champions Club
The Great Alaskan Race will be in theaters on 10/25/19. Brian Presley’s next film The Orphan Train, a post-Civil War drama is due for release next year. I personally can’t wait.
**Disclosure: I was invited to preview the film and attend an experiential press event for The Great Alaskan Race by The Moms Network. The review of this film is based on my personal and truthful opinions.