Murder on the Yukon (1940): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1940, Murder on the Yukon is an action, adventure, mystery and western film directed by Louis J. Gasnier. “RENFREW SOLVES THE MILLION DOLLAR MURDERS!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Unknown to Joan Manning, her trading post partner Weathers is operating a counterfeiting ring. When miner Jim Smithers brings his gold dust in, Weathers pays him off in counterfeit money. Jim's drunken brother, Bill, comes to the post and Weathers hears him say that Jim is leaving the area for good. Weathers sends Hawks to kill Jim and retrieve the bogus money. RCMP Sergeant Renfrew and Constable Kelly find Jim's body, and Renfrew hurries for Jim's cabin to search it. He is attacked by Weathers' men who have found the money. Renfrew is suspicious when Bill Smithers body is found, supposedly a suicide, with a note he had burned the money. This leads the Mounties to suspect counterfeiting. Kelly follows Manti, an Indian who works for Weathers, to the gang's hideout and is captured. But Renfrew is trailing Kelly.

Who’s in it. Murder on the Yukon stars James Newill as Sergeant Renfrew, Polly Ann Young as Joan Manning, Dave O'Brien as Constable Kelly and Al St. John as Bill Smithers, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 2.0/10, Murder on the Yukon has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Murder on the Yukon page.

If you liked it. Fans of Murder on the Yukon tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.