The Viking
“Actually produced during the Great Newfoundland Seal Hunt and You see the REAL thing”
Synopsis
Originally called White Thunder, American producer Varick Frissell's 1931 film was inspired by his love for the Canadian Arctic Circle. Set in a beautifully black-and-white filmed Newfoundland, it is the story of a rivalry between two seal hunters that plays out on the ice floes during a hunt. Unsatisfied with the first cut, Frissell arranged for the crew to accompany an actual Newfoundland seal hunt on The SS Viking, on which an explosion of dynamite (carried regularly at the time on Arctic ships to combat ice jams) killed many members of the crew, including Frissell. The film was renamed in honor of the dead.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Forgotten Film That Cost 28 Lives: The Viking | Fascinating Horror
Type: Behind the Scenes • Published 2025-05-20
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
June 21, 1931
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- George Melford, Varick Frissell
- Screenplay & Story
- Garnett Weston
- Original Title
- The Viking
- Country of Origin
- Canada, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
George Melford, Varick Frissell
Garnett Weston
Varick Frissell
Department Leadership Roster
George Melford
Director
Varick Frissell
Director
Varick Frissell
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Viking.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Viking.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Viking
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Viking about?
Originally called White Thunder, American producer Varick Frissell's 1931 film was inspired by his love for the Canadian Arctic Circle. Set in a beautifully black-and-white filmed Newfoundland, it is the story of a rivalry between two seal hunters that plays out on the ice floes during a hunt. Unsatisfied with the first cut, Frissell arranged for the crew to accompany an actual Newfoundland seal hunt on The SS Viking, on which an explosion of dynamite (carried regularly at the time on Arctic ships to combat ice jams) killed many members of the crew, including Frissell. The film was renamed in honor of the dead.
Who directed The Viking?
The Viking was directed by George Melford, Varick Frissell.
Who stars in The Viking?
The principal cast of The Viking includes Charles Starrett, Louise Huntington, Arthur Vinton, Bob Bartlett, Wilfred Grenfell.
When was The Viking released and how long is it?
The Viking was released in 1931 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Viking?
The Viking holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).