White Fang (1991)

Jack London's classic adventure story about the friendship developed between a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed dog-wolf he rescues from the hands of a man who mistreats him.

Director:

Randal Kleiser

Writers:

Jack London (novel), Jeanne Rosenberg (screenplay)

Stars:

Ethan Hawke, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Jed

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jed	...	White Fang
Klaus Maria Brandauer	...	Alex
Ethan Hawke	...	Jack
Seymour Cassel	...	Skunker
Susan Hogan	...	Belinda
James Remar	...	Beauty
Bill Moseley	...	Luke
Clint Youngreen	...	Tinker (as Clint B. Youngreen)
Pius Savage	...	Grey Beaver
Aaron Hotch	...	Little Beaver
Charles Jimmie Sr.	...	Older Indian
Clifford Fossman	...	Old Timer #1
Irvin Sogge	...	Old Timer #2
Tom Fallon	...	Prospector
Dick Mackey	...	Sled Dog Prospector

Storyline

Jack London's immortal tale of courage and survival comes to life amid the breathtaking beauty of the great Alaskan frontier. Ethan Hawke stars as a young man trying to fulfill his father's dying wish to find gold in the treacherous Yukon valley. His incredible Journey begins when he meets a veteran gold miner who guides young Jack to his father's claim. Along the way, Jack discovers a kindred spirit who will change his life forever a magnificent wolf-dog named White Fang. From the taming of a wolf, to the taming of the wild, he must find the courage to conquer his fears and become a man in this outdoor adventure.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel | boy and his dog | owner dog relationship | wolf hybrid | wolf dog | 

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Taglines:

A courageous young man and a magnificent wolf in an epic struggle of survival.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Basil Poledouris was hired to write the film's original score, having worked with director Randal Kleiser on The Blue Lagoon (1980). His score was rejected in mid-production in favor of one from Hans Zimmer. Unusually, both scores were fully recorded, one in London and the other in California, and pieces written by both Poledouris and Zimmer appear in the finished film.

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Goofs

When Jack is trapped in the gold mine, Alex's lamp is not lit as he runs to help. However in the next shot it is.

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Quotes

Alex Larson: Belinda! Feed the dogs.
Jack Conroy: Man, you're romantic, aren't you?

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Connections

Referenced in Escape at Dannemora: Part 2 (2018)

User Reviews

Excellent

Ahh. White Fang. The very title itself brings warmth to my heart as it was the first novel I ever read. Now, this isn't quite an exact adaption of Jack London's novel, that would be difficult. What is does do is take the fine wildlife elements of the novel and fuse them onto the tale of a boy rather than vice versa as in the novel. This is more the story of Jack than the wolf itself. As a film adaption however, it was the correct road to take and makes for splendid entertainment. There are many recognizable moments from the book however to ensure the film is deserving of the title. It's beautifully shot, with amazing scenery so it certainly realizes the vision of the book. It also has top performances from the two leads and nice support from Remar as the snarling Beauty. The bottom line though is whether you're familiar with London's touching novel or not this film will warm your heart. Recommended to anyone who likes a good old fashioned yarn.

Niz

Details

Official Sites:

Disney's Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 January 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

White Fang

Filming Locations:

Haines, Alaska, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,640,712, 21 January 1991

Gross USA:

$34,793,160

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$34,793,160

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, Hybrid Productions Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1