River’s End

In remote northern Canada, Sergeant Conniston leads a relentless pursuit of the escaped murderer Keith, aided by the drunken guide O'Toole. They push through snowbound terrain as the chase tightens around the quarry. The pursuit sets up a confrontation that will hinge on a startling resemblance between the men.

Conniston finally catches Keith, and the men realize they look nearly the same. The shock of their nearly identical faces foreshadows dangers ahead—mistaken identity, and the possibility that the killer could impersonate the sergeant. The moment marks the first turning point of the pursuit.

During the return, their sled overturns in the snow. Keith seizes Conniston's gun and sled, leaving the mounted policeman and O'Toole to die in the freezing wilderness. The betrayal heightens the peril and moral stakes of the trek home.

Overcome with guilt, Keith turns back and leads Conniston and O'Toole to an emergency cabin. Conniston dies of a frozen lung despite the improvised rescue attempt. The act of mercy contrasts with his earlier flight and deepens Keith's internal conflict.

After speaking with Keith, O'Toole becomes convinced of his innocence. He coaches Keith on how to pass himself off as the sergeant when they reach civilization. The plan relies on Keith's ability to imitate authority while hiding his true identity.

With O'Toole unable to travel, Keith continues alone to the RCMP post. The journey tests his nerve as he steps into the role of the fallen sergeant. The post's atmosphere tightens as rumors swirl about the missing officer.

Keith tells McDowell that he was the man who died, attempting to protect the truth. McDowell then reveals that Keith was innocent and that the real murderer has confessed. The revelation puts Keith at risk of being blamed for Conniston's death.

Terrified of a wrongful accusation, Keith plans to flee across the border. The plan heightens the moral stakes as he weighs loyalty, love, and survival. The idea shifts the story toward a perilous exit from the post.

Miriam, McDowell's daughter and former partner of Conniston, finds herself drawn to Keith's warmth and romance. Meanwhile, Mickey, O'Toole's son, realizes Keith is not the sergeant but agrees to keep the secret. These relationships raise the emotional stakes of the impending escape.

Keith goes to McDowell to ask for Miriam's hand in marriage, only to uncover a jealous rival's inquiries and learn that Conniston was actually married. The discovery complicates Miriam's ties and the prospects of a future together.

McDowell orders Keith to depart the base in disgrace, denying him a future with Miriam. Before departure, Keith confesses the truth to Miriam, attempting to redeem his identity through honesty. Miriam's response looms as a critical emotional turning point.

Rather than slip away, Keith endures a gauntlet of angry Mounties and boards a ship accompanied by Mickey. At the last moment, Miriam boards as well, drawn by hope and his determined escape. The scene ends on a cliffhanger as they set course toward the border.

Keith and his companions sail toward the border, seeking a fresh start away from pursuit. Miriam's late bid to join underscores the fragile, hopeful ending. The film closes on a note of romance and possible redemption.