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Sergeant Preston: Law and Order Mountie Style
by Guy Belleranti
Like many other television programs of the 1950’s Sergeant Preston of the Yukon was first a hit on radio. The radio version ran from 1947 to the mid-1950’s. It then became a half hour CBS television series.
Preston, played by actor Dick Simmons, protected both settlers and gold prospectors in the Yukon gold rush era of the latter 1800’s. An officer in the Canadian Mounted Police, Preston battled both bad guys and the northern Canadian elements. He was aided by his dog, Yukon King, and his horse, Rex.
The many exterior shots brought the setting to life. In the cold of winter, Preston dressed in a fur coat and fur hat and used King as his sled dog. When the weather was warmer he would ride Rex, and Yukon King would tag along.
King was an important partner in the apprehension of evil-doers, often using his keen sense of smell to help sniff them out. When Preston collared his quarry he would announce “I arrest you in the name of the Crown”. And when an episode was ending Preston would often say to his trusty dog, “Well, King, this case is closed”.
The popularity of the character on radio and TV led to Sergeant Preston buttons, comic books, cards, toys and much more
George Trendle and Fran Stryker, so instrumental in the production of the Lone Ranger and the Green Hornet radio/television series were also the guiding forces behind Sergeant Preston. And like the Lone Ranger and the Green Hornet a soaring classical music composition was used for Sergeant Preston, namely Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek's “Overture to Donna Diana”.
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon ran for 78 episodes. It was then rerun in syndication. Today many of the episodes are available on DVD.
more articles by Guy Belleranti
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