King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Moki (John Yesno), a Cree Indian, is made foreman of a sprawling cattle ranch owned by his former army commander. But he carries with him through life the lore of his own people. When he rescues a bear cub, Wahb, he feels a mystical connection between himself and the magnificent creature. Later, Wahb, now a 1,300-pound bear, returns from the wild to wreak havoc on the cattle ranch, and Moki must face this fearsome grizzly. This spectacular film depicts a territorial battle over a country of breathtaking beauty.

Slow-moving, but well worth a look

Taking place at the tail end of the Old West era, King of the Grizzlies documents the story of Moh-Sum-See Wahb, a grizzly bear with an odd track-mark. He lives an idyllic life with his mother and his twin sister. He hunts, plays, meets a marmot and a badger, and even does some snow sledding on a vessel made of bark. As the events unfold, a narrator (Winston Hibler) tells us what we're seeing and what Wahb is presumably thinking and feeling. Eventually man comes into the picture, bringing with him a whole lot of trouble. The movie is slowly-paced and might bore the tykes, but the scenery and wildlife is breathtaking. Based upon The Biography of a Grizzly by Ernest Thompson Seton.

Staci Layne Wilson
January 29, 2005

A Bear of a Story

"The King of the Grizzlies" combines a wonderful animal tale with spectacular outdoor scenery to make for a wonderful movie that will be enjoyed by the entire family. In this movie, viewers learn a lot about bears live in the wilderness and the role of man vs. animal in the untamed West of 1899. Viewers also learn a little about Native Americans and their culture, especially their bond with nature and wildlife, as seen through the devotion of Moki (the Indian boy who helps the Colonel with his catttle drive) and Wahb (the bear who is the main star of the movie). Animals and outdoor scenery dominate much of this film. Constantly changing events in Wahb's life and travels hold the viewer's attention, along with the beautiful forested mountains and rushing blue waters. A great film for the entire family. Fast paced, lots of natural action and drama. A must see.

David Shipp December 28, 2002

your children SHOULD see this film!!!

In the tradition of walt disneys true life adventures. King of the grizzlies joins the library of disney style animal adventures. Like "Nikki wild dog", "Lobo", and various others, it is an animal adventure story with loads of true life adventure polish and overtones to it; complete with narration by Winston Hibler, a veteran of almost all disneys true life adventures. The scenery is breathtaking. For those who grew up with the sunday night disney show in the 60's and 70's it will bring back a lot of fond memories. They really dont make them like this any more; devoid of the cynicism which tarnishes modern family films, though a little dated in some respects, its a piece of disney nostalgia that children should see. If only Disney would release Perri, the most hidden animal adventure of all. July 13, 2002

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