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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Taglines:

They Thought He Couldn't Do the Job. That's Why They Chose Him.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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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

Although all the wolves used in the movie were tamed, the cameraman had to hold a chicken above his head to draw their attention to him. When needed, he gave the poultry a good jolt, causing the chicken to shake its wings violently and making the wolves stare, puzzled.

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Goofs

The lead claims the wolves eat mice, which he proceeds to eat, but they are voles, not mice (which don't occur in the arctic).

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Quotes

Rosie: Take the stick... Aaaaaaah!
Tyler: What's wrong?
Rosie: Boredom, Tyler. Boredom - that's what's wrong. And how do you beat boredom, Tyler?... Adventure. Adventure, Tyler.
Tyler: Where are you going, Rosie? Rosie, what are you doing? I can't fly this thing! What do I do?

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Connections

Featured in The Making of 'Never Cry Wolf' (1983)

User Reviews

A voyeuristic pleasure with a valuable message

This movie premiered at an age in my life when I was fascinated with wolves and their impact on nature - at 10 years old, I met a researcher while on a trip with my parents who actually lived with wolves for 9 months out of the year. On his recommendation I read Farley Mowat's "Never Cry Wolf" and finagled my theater-phobic parents into taking me to see the film shortly thereafter.

Its impact on me, partially because of my love for the subject matter, has been lifelong.

Although the film does not always capture the humor of Mowat's narrative, it does a brilliant job of portraying, with patience that may grate on the nerves of blockbuster-seasoned moviegoers, the experience of its protagonist. Complaints that the film does not focus enough on the wolves are understandable, but the book and the movie are about one man's journey to understanding the wolf's place in a natural ecosystem. He must learn to be like them, understand their behavior (which mirrors humans' in so many ways), and ultimately choose a loyalty to one or the other species.

It is advisable that the viewer adopt expectations similar to those for a National Geographic documentary, although the story is only loosely based in fact. Sometimes things happen slowly in the arctic. Sometimes they don't happen at all, or the things that happen are not what you'd want out of the "plot". Cinematography and the environment are stunning. Charles Martin Smith's Tyler is a regular guy, without spectacular heroics (but brave enough to tackle activities "Fear Factor" contestants won't touch for a pile of money).

Because it was filmed entirely on location and without pretense of special effects, its visuals stand up very well in comparison to the films of today. Its pace is the sticking point that will make it unpalatable to some viewers, but I give it a rarely-awarded 9 rating for its beauty, social conscience and thorough enjoyability, taking away 1 point only for its somewhat heavy-handed finale that is less palatable than Mowat's original message.