When the North Wind Blows (1974)

Avakum (Henry Brandon) is an old trapper who is having a harder and harder time getting by because of the dwindling wildlife in the region. One day he is on a tiger hunt when a big cat ... See full summary »

Director:

Stewart Raffill

Writer:

Stewart Raffill

Stars:

Henry Brandon, Fernando Celis, Dan Haggerty

Cast

Credited cast:
Henry Brandon	...	Avakum
Fernando Celis	...	Vladimir
Dan Haggerty	...	Tsezar
Rex Holman	...	Sergei
Dale Ishimoto	...	Yermak
Sander Johnson	...	Peter
Herbert Nelson	...	Boris
Henry Olek	...	Ivan
Jack Ong	...	Alex
Jan Smithers

Storyline

Avakum (Henry Brandon) is an old trapper who is having a harder and harder time getting by because of the dwindling wildlife in the region. One day he is on a tiger hunt when a big cat attacks his friend's son. Ava tries to shoot the tiger but accidentally kills the boy instead. Thinking he's accused of murder, he flees civilization, and eventually adapts to life among these same tigers. Boris (Herbert Nelson) , knows that his son's death was an accident, and tries to find Avakum and tell him he's innocent and should came back to the village. In the year that follows, Ava survives the harsh Siberian winter and finds himself at home beyond civilized life, to the point where when Boris finally does find him, it is a very touching goodbye, since the two old friends have drifted apart and have to remain in their separate worlds.

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Plot Keywords:

wildlife | trapper | wilderness | nature | alaska | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only theatrical feature in which veteran character actor Henry Brandon got to play a sympathetic lead. For most of his 55-year Hollywood career he was typecast in villainous supporting roles.

User Reviews

Totally my favourite film of all time

If it were possible to award a 10+ .... this would be the one film I would choose.

I remember catching this film on TV many, many years ago - and fortunately being prepared enough to video it. Now my video copy is getting old, video technology is outdated and I'm starting to worry that I may not be able to enjoy the delights of this movie for much longer.

As a wildlife film it is superb. As a film about the relationship between man and nature it surpasses anything screened before or since. How can the film industry allow such a classic to go unnoticed and forgotten? If such a thing as a lobby/pressure group exists to push for the re-release of this film, count me in and send me the details pronto.

My guess is there's a mint to be made by anyone able to re-release this in today's market.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Snow Tigers

Filming Locations:

Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color