Watch The Call of the Wild
- NR
- 1976
- 1 hr 44 min
-
6.1 (171)
The Call of the Wild is a 1976 movie based on the classic novel by Jack London. The film tells the story of a dog named Buck, who is stolen from his comfortable life as a family pet and sold into the brutal world of the Alaskan gold rush. The film follows Buck's journey as he learns to adapt to his new environment, and ultimately embraces his true nature as a wild animal.
John Beck stars as John Thornton, a prospector who befriends Buck and helps him navigate the harsh wilderness. Bernard Fresson plays Perrault, a French Canadian who buys Buck and trains him to be a sled dog. And John McLiam plays Red Sweater, a cruel handler who mistreats Buck until he is ultimately rescued by Thornton.
The film is notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The scenes of Buck and his fellow sled dogs racing through the snow are particularly captivating, with the camera following closely behind as they dart between trees and over frozen rivers.
The film also features a memorable score by composer Lee Holdridge, which perfectly captures the sense of adventure and excitement that permeates the story. From the opening notes that accompany Buck's initial journey to the final triumphant theme that accompanies his return to the wild, the music is an integral part of the film's emotional impact.
At its core, The Call of the Wild is a story about the indomitable spirit of the human (and canine) animal, and the ways in which we are all shaped by our environment. Buck's journey from pampered pet to fierce hunter is a metaphor for the process of self-discovery that is the hallmark of any great adventure story.
The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the dialogue can be stilted and overly dramatic, and a few of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. Additionally, the film's treatment of the indigenous people of Alaska is somewhat problematic by modern standards, with several characters depicted as stereotypes.
Despite these flaws, however, The Call of the Wild remains a powerful and moving film that will appeal to anyone who loves stories of adventure, bravery, and the enduring bond between animals and humans. Buck's journey from spoiled house pet to fierce wilderness hunter is a tale that will inspire and captivate viewers of all ages, and the film's beautiful visuals and stirring score only serve to enhance the experience.
The Call of the Wild is a 1976 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.