Never Cry Wolf (1983)

A government researcher, sent to research the "menace" of wolves in the north, learns about the true beneficial and positive nature of the species.

Director:

Carroll Ballard

Writers:

Farley Mowat (based on the book by), Curtis Hanson (screenplay),

Stars:

Charles Martin Smith, Brian Dennehy, Zachary Ittimangnaq

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Charles Martin Smith	...	Farley Mowat / Tyler
Brian Dennehy	...	Rosie
Zachary Ittimangnaq	...	Ootek
Samson Jorah	...	Mike
Hugh Webster	...	Drunk
Martha Ittimangnaq	...	Woman
Tom Dahlgren	...	Hunter #1
Walker Stuart	...	Hunter #2

Storyline

This film dramatizes the true story of Farley Mowat, when he was sent to the Canadian tundra area to collect evidence of the grievous harm the wolf population was allegedly doing to the caribou herds. In his struggle to survive in that difficult environment he studies the wolves, and realizes that the old beliefs about wolves and their supposed threat are almost totally false. Furthermore, he learns that humans represent a far greater threat to the land, and also to the wolves, a species which plays an important role in the ecosystem of the north.

---

Plot Keywords:

wolf | nature | biologist | male nudity | laundry drying on clothes line | 

---

Taglines:

A True Story.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Drama

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Inuktitut

Release Date:

7 October 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los lobos no lloran

Filming Locations:

British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures, Amarok Productions Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nearly a third of the movie's budget went into filming the scene of Farley running with the caribou. Several helicopters flew overhead, herding the caribou, before the wolves were released. The filming took twenty hours a day for a month.

---

Goofs

According to Tyler's background narrations, it is early April when the snow melts and the lake is completely unfrozen by early May. In reality, snow in the Arctic doesn't melt until June.

---

Quotes

Tyler: [Narrating] The only plane in Nootsak belonged to a part-time bush pilot, gambler, and real estate tycoon named Rosie Little. While we were negotiating our deal, he introduced me to this drink that he'd invented. Known locally as "Moose Juice," it consisted of equal parts Moose Brand Beer and ethyl alcohol. Before I knew it, my old fear of flying evaporated, and I spent all the money I had left... on 24 cases of beer.

---

Connections

Referenced in Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006)

User Reviews

From my top ten desert island list

You know you're in trouble when the only thing you can pick up on the shortwave is Russian folk music.

Disney at its best. Top-notch cinematography, wonderful sarcastic humor, over-the-top Dennehey acting, beautiful wilderness, man-spoils-what-he-touches, and another ambient score to die for from Mark Isham.

Fricassee of mouse. A surplus of toilet paper and light bulbs. Special magic from the scenes with Ootek right up to the very end. Running naked with the caribou. Outdoor adventure ne plus ultra for the gentle man. But hold onto your shotgun, the entrepreneurs are coming. They'll take you apart, "just for the evil fun of it".