An Irish drifter and Spanish lumberjacks ride logs down a deadly river. What could go wrong?
In 1946, an irishman joins a group of 'gancheros' (wood workers) while they drive wood thru the Tajo river, discovering human solidarity.
Cinematography
The Tajo river itself—a raging, beautiful character.
Acting
Alfredo Landa's weathered face tells entire backstories.
Practical Effects
Real log-rafting stunts, no green screens in sight.
Director
Antonio del Real
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'gancheros' were real river workers in Spain until the 1950s; this film preserves a vanished way of life.
Tony Peck is Gregory Peck's son—his casting as the wandering Irishman was deliberately ironic given his father's roles.
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