The Spoilers
The Spoilers
In Nome, Alaska, miner Roy Glennister and his partner Dextry, financed by saloon entertainer Cherry Malotte, fight to save their gold claim from crooked commissioner Alexander McNamara.
Mister Arn reviewedJuly 13, 2025
“The Spoilers”, starring John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, and Randolph Scott, is a gold rush-era adventure steeped in corruption, claim-jumping, and romantic rivalry. Scott plays against type as the villain, offering a cool, restrained menace that contrasts well with Wayne’s miner. Dietrich brings allure and fire, and her chemistry with Wayne adds spark to the story. It all builds toward the film’s famous, no-holds-barred saloon brawl, more spectacle than realism. Though its portrayals of gender and race are outdated, the film remains an energetic Western powered by big personalities and a simple, clear story.