Death Hunt - Deviations From History

Deviations From History

The movie bears little semblance to the real story of Albert Johnson. In reality, the actual Constable Millen was shot and killed by Johnson during the manhunt. Johnson was eventually killed after a remarkable and highly-publicized pursuit over several weeks. Of special note was the fact that Johnson eluded his RCMP pursuers in the dead of winter in the lower Arctic, crossing the Richardson Mountains in the process, a feat previously considered impossible. Johnson was finally surrounded by mounties on the frozen Eagle River and shot and killed on February 17, 1932.

World War I veteran Wop May was a bush pilot who was involved in the hunt for Johnson. Contrary to the movie, May - represented as "Captain Tucker" - did not wildly shoot at everyone including the posse on the ground. He also did not crash and die on a mountaintop after being shot down by the posse. May survived the manhunt and lived until 1952.

During the siege of Johnson's cabin, in the film at least five men were killed by Johnson, in reality, Millen was the only Mountie killed by Johnson during the manhunt. Two other officers that Johnson shot survived.

In the movie, it was claimed that Johnson was a veteran of the First World War, with Captain Tucker providing Johnson's military service record to Millen and the other RCMP officers. In reality, virtually nothing is known of Albert Johnson before his arrival at Fort McPherson on July 9, 1931. To this day, the Mad Trapper's true identity has never been found.