A drunk bear hunter and a farm kid walk into the wilderness—neither comes back the same.
A hardened and embittered man turns his life around with the help of a farm boy in this uplifting family tale. Down on his luck and dependent on booze, Native American Fish Hawk (Will Sampson) changes his fate when he accepts a job hunting down a bear that's been killing local livestock. His temporary residence with the Boggs family brings young Corby (Charles Fields) into his life, and the boy's friendship gives Fish Hawk a new reason to live.
Acting
Will Sampson's haunted, tender performance—career best.
Cinematography
Misty Ontario wilderness that mirrors Fish Hawk's isolation.
Writing
No villains, just wounded people learning to trust.
Director
Donald Shebib
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Will Sampson was a Creek/Muscogee artist and rodeo performer before acting; this was his only leading role after One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. He insisted on authentic ceremonial elements.
Director Donald Shebib specifically sought to counter Hollywood's 'noble savage' stereotype by making Fish Hawk explicitly flawed—drunk, angry, difficult—while never losing his dignity.
CA
US
