A more recent appraisal in Bowker's Directory described it as having "plenty of action & romance" and stated that it was "the popular 'celebrity film' of its time". Hemingway, who disliked the typical Hollywood happy ending, accepted the money for the film, but he could not bring himself to view it, according to one report. However, in a 1954 article for "Look" magazine, Hemingway said a hyena (voiced by Director King from behind the camera) was the best performer in the picture, which the writer called "The Snows of Zanuck".