| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Suzanne Weber | ... |
Lizzy Allison
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Pat Petersen | ... |
Tim Hood
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| Richard Jaeckel | ... |
Mike Allison
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Robert Earl Jones | ... |
The Trapper
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Brad Sullivan | ... |
Reuban Knat
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Elizabeth Hubbard | ... |
Pauline Hood Allison
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Augusta Dabney | ... |
Elizabeth Allison
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Adam Petroski | ... |
Seth Bishop
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David Thomas | ... |
Senate Chairman
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Wade Barnes | ... |
Pompous Senator
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Deborah Beck | ... |
Reporter
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Trent Gough | ... |
Minister
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Robert Donley | ... |
Pete the Guide
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Tom Kubiak | ... |
Storekeeper
(as Thomas Kubiak)
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Mary Ellen Badger | ... |
Receptionist
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Based on the novel Winterkill, by William Judson, Cold River is the story of an Adirondack guide who takes his young daughter and step-son on a long camping trip in the fall of 1932. When winter strikes unexpectedly early (a natural phenomenon known as a 'winterkill' - so named because the animals are totally unprepared for a sudden, early winter, and many freeze or starve to death), he suffers a fatal heart attack, leaving his two children to find their own way home without food, or protection from the elements. Rated PG for mild violence and language. Written by John N. Daily
I'm giving this film high marks because I enjoyed the scenery, screenplay and acting. There are gripping moments to this story, and the violence which occurs is suspenseful. Sure, it's somewhat episodic, and the direction is choppy at times, but I am a fan of films without "filler", especially when they take place in the wilderness, where attempts to create distractions can pervert the experience of true setting. This is a story about a stepsister and stepbrother lost in the wilderness and learning some lessons about hardships and personal bonds. It is not for the attention-span deficient. The action which takes place is satisfying, and I enjoyed the casual pace of the story leading up to the denouement. Acting is strong, and there are good morals to the story also.