The Bears and I

Rating:
Summary: Great scenery, Cute bears, Wholesome viewing.
Review: I remember reading the paperback by Robert Franklin Leslie before seeing this film -- and the film did live up to the book. (It's a true story, by the way!) Actor Patrick Wayne, son of the late John Wayne, does a superb job in the lead role. The story centers on a man, prospecting for gold in Canadian north woods in the 1960s, who adopted three orphaned bear cubs and prepared them for the perils of living free. It's similar to "Born Free" in some regards. Very recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Based on a true story...
Review: I remember reading the paperback by Robert Franklin Leslie before seeing this film -- and the film did live up to the book. (It's a true story, by the way!) Actor Patrick Wayne, son of the late John Wayne, does a superb job in the lead role. The story centers on a man, prospecting for gold in Canadian north woods in the 1960s, who adopted three orphaned bear cubs and prepared them for the perils of living free. It's similar to "Born Free" in some regards. Very recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The Bears and I
Review: The movie The Bears and I was very good. The beginning of the the movie was absolutely breathtaking. The song fits very well with the movie. The song "Sweet Surrender" written by the late John Denver was written for the movie because of the ecological scenery. Throughout the movie the scenery was really truly God's country in British Columbia Canada. I think that Patrick Wanye, Chief Dan George and Robert Pine were very good actors in the movie. The movie is very much a family entertainment. I very highly recommend this movie.

Rating:
Summary: "The Bears & I"
Review: This mid-70's Disney film is a mild (as Leonard Maltin calls it)but competent family film. Starring Patrick Wayne, son of John Wayne (and notice Patrick's walk!), as a Vietnam veteran going to see the father of a fellow soldier killed in action. Chief Dan George protrays the late soldier's father. Also stars Michael Ansara in another ethnic role, Robert Pine of CHIPS, and solid character actor Andrew Duggan.

Wayne's character protects three orphaned cubs. This action causes friction with the local Indian tribe who view the bear as their brother. Further trouble is caused when the US government decides to build a National Park on the property that the Indians are settled on. Maltin describes the film as Wayne trying to settle the problems between the Indians and the "white bigots", but there is NO scene or language of bigotry in the film. It is a matter of property rights and the rights of indigenous people.

The film is predictable as it is a Disney film, but it is very enjoyable. Wayne narrates the story in the first person. The scenery is breathtaking. The interplay of the bears is charming. The lessons learned at the end of the film are valuable. Fun fare for the family.

A side note: John Denver wrote and sung the title song "Sweet Surrender" for the film.

Rating:
Summary: Great scenery, Cute bears, Wholesome viewing.
Review: This was a nice cheerful family film with great scenery and cute bears. The plot was a bit predictable though and the acting was rather canned. Still overall I think our family enjoyed it although I don't think I would watch it again I think my children would enjoy a repeat viewing.

A Concerned Christian Mom