‘The Alaskans: The Complete Series’ Blu-ray (review)

Before he played James Bond, Beau Maverick, Simon Templar (The Saint), or Brett Sinclair (The Persuaders!), Roger Moore played con man Silky Harris on the single season of The Alaskans, a Western adventure series set during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Co-starring Dorothy Provine, Jeff York, and Ray Danton, the series was fondly remembered for its unique setting and memorable performances.

Available on home video for the first time courtesy of the Warner Archive, The Alaskans follows a group of fortune-seekers in the town of Skagway, Alaska, as they try to strike it rich.

Silky Harris (Moore) plays, a charming con man who constantly finds himself in morally ambiguous situations while scheming for wealth. Despite his often dubious plans, Silky’s good heart surfaces frequently, especially when his partner, Rocky Shaw, is involved.

Rocky (Provine), is a sharp and resourceful saloon singer who proves herself indispensable to Silky’s endeavors. Playing one of the series’ most engaging characters, Provine brings depth and charisma to her role. The cast also included Jeff York, as the bumbling but loyal Reno McKee, provides comedic relief, while Ray Danton’s Nifty Cronin, Silky’s frequent rival, adds tension to the show, though his character remains somewhat one-dimensional.

The show’s episodic structure offers a variety of plotlines, often centered on Silky and Rocky’s efforts to outwit their rivals or escape dangerous situations. Despite the straightforward nature of the stories, several guest stars appeared on the show, contributing to memorable episodes. Some of the notable guest stars include James Coburn, who appeared as a roguish character in one episode, and Claude Akins, known for his tough-guy roles, who played a hard-nosed adversary of Silky. Their appearances added excitement and depth to otherwise formulaic episodes. Other recognizable actors who appeared on the series included Denver Pyle, Robert Armstrong, Werner Klemperer, Neil Hamilton , Dick Sargent, Dick Miller, Lee Van Cleef, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Alan Hale Jr., William Schallert, Tor Johnson, and Julie Adams.

The series’ high point is its setting, which stands out from more traditional Westerns of the era. The Klondike Gold Rush backdrop, with its harsh weather and rugged frontier, provides an exciting atmosphere. Though the series doesn’t delve deeply into the historical aspects, the unique environment distinguishes The Alaskans from other shows of the time. The costumes and production design effectively capture the look of the late 19th-century Alaskan frontier, giving it an adventurous feel.

In terms of performances, Roger Moore is the clear standout, delivering a charismatic and smooth portrayal of Silky Harris. His performance showcases the charm that would later make him a star. Dorothy Provine’s Rocky is a strong counterpart to Moore, bringing wit and energy to the role. The chemistry between the two is one of the show’s strengths, adding depth to their dynamic. Jeff York’s comedic timing as Reno provides levity, while Ray Danton’s swagger as Nifty Cronin serves as an enjoyable, if somewhat shallow, antagonist.

While the show didn’t achieve lasting fame, its mix of adventure, humor, and romance made it entertaining for its time. The guest stars and standout episodes (“The Petticoat Stampede”, “Rogue’s Gallery”) helped to elevate the series beyond its more predictable plots, and the performances, particularly by Moore and Provine, added charm. For fans of Roger Moore or those with a fondness for vintage Westerns, The Alaskans remains a fun piece of television history, offering light entertainment with a unique setting.