White Horse Rebels, under the command of a mystery villain known only as The Leader, attempt to create an independent White Horse Republic in Canada's northwest. Funded by gold from the Marrow Mine, they attack Canadian settlements in the area. The North-West Mounted Police, represented primarily by hero Sgt. Ward and his sidekick Constable Nevin, discover The Leader's real identity. An added complication comes in the form of First Nations, Blackfeet driven into Canada from the United States, who attack both sides and whom the rebels attempt to use as scapegoats for their own attacks.
The entire filming of Gunfighters of the Northwest took place outdoors at Big Bear Lake, California, including a scene set in a cave that was filmed with lighting and backdrop to make it appear to be an internal shot.[1] During filming, the cast and crew all lived at a nearby hotel.[1]
The two heroic leads, Jock Mahoney and Clayton Moore, were injured during production. On the second day of shooting, Moore was thrown from his horse, landing unconscious on his back. He was not able to perform any rising scenes for a few days but could act in all the dramatic scenes.[1] Mahoney was hurt on the same day, injuring a metatarsal in a fight scene, but he was able to walk and continue filming the next day.[1]
Moore had been the Lone Ranger in the television series until being replaced by John Hart in 1952. Hart, who was dating female lead Phyllis Coates, visited the set. Following Moore's injury, Hart volunteered to stand in for Moore in several scenes.[1]
