North of the Great Divide

North of the Great Divide

Year: 1950

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: William Witney

Western

Gun-fire in the great Northwest! An Indian agent comes to the rescue when a local tribe’s fishing rights are threatened by a greedy cannery owner.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – North of the Great Divide (1950)

Explore the full timeline and setting of North of the Great Divide (1950). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-20th century

The narrative unfolds in a frontier-like environment where Indigenous communities rely on salmon runs and external interests push for industrial development. Government agencies and cross-border law enforcement are actively involved, reflecting a period of formalized resource stewardship and regional cooperation.

Location

Oseka village, Salmon River near the US-Canada border, Canadian cannery

The setting centers on the Oseka village along a salmon-rich river near the Canada–US border. The area is defined by seasonal fish runs, traditional fishing practices, and proximity to a bustling cannery that threatens to disrupt local livelihoods. Tensions arise between Indigenous subsistence needs, private industry, and government authorities operating on both sides of the border.

🏞️ Frontier region 🐟 Salmon river 🛖 Indigenous village 🛡️ Cross-border industry

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:48

Main Characters – North of the Great Divide (1950)

Meet the key characters of North of the Great Divide (1950), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nogura, Oseka Chief (Noble Johnson)

As the Oseka village chief, Nogura leads with concern for his people's survival and their fishing rights. He resists displacement caused by the cannery and seeks to protect his community's way of life through dialogue and cautious alliance with Roy Rogers and authorities.

🧭 Leadership 🌊 Indigenous rights 🛡️ Guardian

Roy Rogers

A key ally of the Osekas, Roy Rogers acts as mediator and protector, delivering aid to avert starvation and organizing cross-border cooperation. He embodies frontier justice, combining physical courage with a pragmatic approach to resolve conflict.

🤠 Hero 🛡️ Protector 🗺️ Mediator

Ann Keith

District nurse who informs authorities about the deteriorating conditions in the Osekas' village and works with Roy Rogers to prevent violence. She demonstrates humanitarian concern and practical problem-solving in crisis.

💉 Caretaker 🧭 Liaison 🕊️ Humanitarian

Mr. Banning

Cannery owner whose deceitful plans threaten the Osekas' livelihoods and prompt a response from Rogers and the Mounties. He represents corporate greed and willingness to manipulate law for profit.

🏭 Antagonist 💰 Greed 🧰 Strategist

Stagg

Banning's foreman, a schemer who resorts to murder and arson to protect his employer's interests. He embodies ruthless opportunism and violent method.

⚔️ Villain 🗡️ Trickster 🔥 Arsonist

Mountie Sergeant

Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who helps verify Nogura's innocence and exposes the conspirators. He represents cross-border law enforcement and the pursuit of justice.

🛡️ Law 🗺️ Cross-border 👮 Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:48

Major Themes – North of the Great Divide (1950)

Explore the central themes of North of the Great Divide (1950), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐟 Resource Conflict

The film centers on competing claims over the salmon-rich river: Indigenous fishing rights, private cannery exploitation, and the need to preserve a vital food source for both communities.

🤝 Cross-Border Cooperation

Roy Rogers pushes for international cooperation to protect the salmon run, demonstrating that collaboration between nations can safeguard livelihoods and prevent conflict.

⚖️ Justice & Law

The plot pits deceitful corporate tactics against lawful oversight by the RCMP and Indian Affairs, highlighting the pursuit of justice for Nogura and his people.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:48

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North of the Great Divide Summary

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North of the Great Divide Summary

North of the Great Divide Timeline

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North of the Great Divide Timeline

More About North of the Great Divide

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