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Before Lassie -- even before Rin Tin Tin -- there was Kazan, wolf dog of the North. His creator was James Oliver Curwood, author of many novels about the frozen wilds. Kazan's early life sounds like a Victorian tragedy for animals -- he is whipped and abused by humans until he runs off to join the wolves and becomes leader of the pack. He's no fan of mankind, but he still has a soft spot in his canine heart for Joan Raddison (Jane Novak), the kindly sister of his former master. To journey to her dying father (William Ryno), Joan has to trust Jim Thorpe (Ben Deeley). But Thorpe believes her older brother betrayed his sister, and is taking her on this trip only because he's planning revenge. They are attacked by wolves on their journey, but Kazan recognizes Joan's voice and keeps them from being harmed. But the pair are also being followed by Black McCready (Edwin Wallock), her brother's killer. After they find that Joan's father has already died, the Mounted Police accuse Thorpe of the brother's murder and arrest him. Joan and her younger brother discover the truth and Thorpe (who long ago figured out that no one in the Raddison clan was responsible for his sister's misfortune) is released. But McCready runs off and when he finds Joan alone in a camp, he attacks her. Kazan comes to the rescue, leaping on McCready and killing him.