Is Renfrew of the Royal Mounted Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1937)

📖 The Core Premise

Renfrew of the Royal Mounted returns to the screen in 1937, bringing a fresh narrative to the Western genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Counterfeit bills are being printed in Canada and shipped across the border hidden in blocks of ice. When the counterfeiters force engraver Bronson to make a new plate, he inscribes a tiny help message on it. Renfrew catches a henchman who has one of the new bills. A magnifying glass lets him read the message and he heads out alone to round up the counterfeiters."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. James Newill attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Western. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Renfrew of the Royal Mounted worth your time? If you appreciate Western films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Renfrew of the Royal Mounted misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 54 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.