Never Cry Wolf (1983)

In the gripping tale of "Never Cry Wolf," we follow the arduous journey of researcher Tyler, a man cast into the icy jaws of the Arctic wilderness by his government. His mission? To study the elusive wolves believed to be decimating the caribou population. With his supplies and resolve as his only company, Tyler is abandoned in this unyielding frost by the audacious pilot, Rosie. Salvation comes in the form of Ootek, a local who, along with his trusty dog sled, rescues Tyler from the brink of despair. With newfound strength, Tyler constructs his shelter and organizes his supplies, ready to embark on his mission. He soon discovers a pair of wolves, George and Angeline, and their pups, and through meticulous examination of their excrement, he learns of their diet – mice. The truth of the wolves' diet prompts Tyler to adopt the same, a bold move to debunk the government's belief that wolves prey on caribous. As the chilling narrative unfolds, Ootek returns with his English-speaking friend Mike, a hunter whose stories are as captivating as the wilderness itself. Together, they witness a harrowing scene – a caribou herd under attack by a wolf pack. While the sight initially paints the wolves as predators, Tyler's examination of the caribou remains reveals a startling truth. The attacked caribou was diseased, indicating that the wolves were merely maintaining the health of the herd, a natural balance as old as the tundra itself. The narrative takes a heart-wrenching turn when Rosie reappears with hunters, their intentions leaning towards exploiting the pristine wilderness. Despite the ensuing argument, Tyler returns to his camp to find only the pups, George and Angeline are nowhere to be found. As suspicion falls on Rosie, a nervous Mike reveals a darker truth. "Never Cry Wolf" is a compelling dramatization of Farley Mowat's true story, exploring the intricate relationship between man, beast, and the unforgiving environment. While the wolves are demonized for the supposed threat they pose, Tyler's journey uncovers the real peril – man's ignorance and potential for destruction. This poignant tale serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role wolves play in the ecosystem and the greater threat that humans pose to the land and its inhabitants.

Never Cry Wolf is an action movie featuring Charles Martin Smith and directed by Carroll Ballard.

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