Plenty for locals to poke at amid poetry of 'Wild' outdoors

Most Alaskans harbor contempt for Christopher McCandless, an out-of-stater who met his end through his own folly and became a national cult figure. We also tend to snipe at movies about Alaska, gleefully pointing out errors and improbabilities that escap

ALASKA NEWSREADER

Fed up with rescuing McCandless fans

As the movie “Into the Wild” opens in more theaters across the country, the draw of the broken-down bus in which Chris McCandless died is increasing. And worries are likewise mounting that many of the pilgrims will not be up to the challenge of the rugged, Interior territory near Healy.

Theories differ on the cause of McCandless' death

There is a very simple question at the climax of the book. You'll find it in the movie as well.

Listing on eBay stirs McCandless debate

A Healy business leader said the eBay listing is one more reason to remove the bus and keep others from making the potentially perilous journey to the site.

ALASKA NEWSREADER

Cashing in on 'Into the Wild'

A piece of the bus in which Chris McCandless died -- the instrument panel, in fact -- has made its way onto eBay (with video). It went for $177.50.

McCandless boots missing from bus

TORONTO -- Sean Penn made a disheartening discovery on his latest trip to Alaska this summer: Someone had walked off with a pair of boots that had sat in an old bus in the wilderness for almost 15 years.

McCandless boots missing from bus

TORONTO -- Sean Penn made a disheartening discovery on his latest trip to Alaska this summer: Someone had walked off with a pair of boots that had sat in an old bus in the wilderness for almost 15 years.

Alaska critters, people flesh out 'Into the Wild'

When "Into the Wild" opens today in New York City and Los Angeles, an Alaska bull moose named River will make his big-screen debut. While the cameras rolled near Cantwell last year, his handlers bribed him with bananas to do whatever director Sean Penn wanted.

Into the Wild

Into the Wild

Into Chris McCandless

Sean Penn dismayed by 'Into the Wild' discovery

Sean Penn made a disheartening discovery on his latest trip to Alaska this summer: Someone had walked off with a pair of boots that had sat in an old bus in the wilderness for almost 15 years.

Review: Hirsch gives vibrant performance as doomed wanderer

You probably don't know the name Emile Hirsch. Not yet at least.

Behind the camera: Sean Penn among actors taking director's chair

Sean Penn is one of the great actors of his generation, yet he'd like to give it all up to remain behind the camera.

Hollywood in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS -- "Into the Wild," a movie directed by Sean Penn about a 24-year-old man who starved to death in the Alaska wilderness, drew a packed house at its Monday night premiere in Fairbanks.

Movie debut draws packed house outside Fairbanks

The debut of "Into the Wild," a movie directed by Sean Penn about a 24-year-old young man who starved to death in Alaska wilderness, drew a packed house at a venue outside Fairbanks.

'Into the Wild' Denali filming wraps today

A star-soaked film version of "Into the Wild" directed by Oscar winner Sean Penn wraps up its Denali National Park scenes today.

McCandless: Hero or dumb jerk?

Christopher McCandless, the 24-year-old who died of starvation on the Stampede Trail tucked into the sleeping bag his mother made for him, has become an Alaska icon.