Big Jim Cole (Clint Walker) inherited land from his Grandfather, which he won in a poker game. Jed Curry (Keenan Wynn), the original land owner, now wants it back, but Jim is not about to give up this prime land and plans to settle and farm together with his family.
But Jim and his family has bigger problems than Curry: a huge black bear named Satan roams the land, killing the animals and posing a threat to the Cole family. When his animals are killed and with no money to buy new ones, Jim risks losing everything - until a reward is offered to kill the bear. But Cass Dowdy (Leo Gordon) - a man from their past - arrives and is also interested in the reward money, and will do anything to prevent Jim from getting to the bear first.
Unlike most of today's films, 'The Night of the Grizzly' doesn't have a prologue teasing us what to expect with regards to the bear. In fact, the bear doesn't make it's appearance until well into the movie. This allowed ample time to get to know the family. I must also add, the movie is mostly a family drama - about a family desperately trying to make it work in a new town. But even without the bear, this was a very interesting movie. I actually enjoyed every moment - with or without the bear.
I really enjoyed the characters. The youngest Cole daughter, Gypsy, is absolutely adorable. I also so enjoyed Hank, whom Gypsy made friends with at a store and who became a family friend. I enjoyed the way he cared about and spent time with Gypsy. That was rather sweet, actually. Then there's Sam Potts (Don Haggerty), a faithful family friend who travelled with and settles on the farm with them, and store owner Wilhelmina (Nancy Kulp), who falls head over heels in love with Sam.
The film delivers so many humorous moments - especially the drunk chicken!! And Clint Walker is an absolute hunk of a man!! This prime beef is a huge man, but such a gentle, good-hearted soul. He is a feast for the eyes every scene he is in!
I absolutely loved 'The Night of the Grizzly', and was thoroughly entertained. This is actually a darn good movie.
But Jim and his family has bigger problems than Curry: a huge black bear named Satan roams the land, killing the animals and posing a threat to the Cole family. When his animals are killed and with no money to buy new ones, Jim risks losing everything - until a reward is offered to kill the bear. But Cass Dowdy (Leo Gordon) - a man from their past - arrives and is also interested in the reward money, and will do anything to prevent Jim from getting to the bear first.
Unlike most of today's films, 'The Night of the Grizzly' doesn't have a prologue teasing us what to expect with regards to the bear. In fact, the bear doesn't make it's appearance until well into the movie. This allowed ample time to get to know the family. I must also add, the movie is mostly a family drama - about a family desperately trying to make it work in a new town. But even without the bear, this was a very interesting movie. I actually enjoyed every moment - with or without the bear.
I really enjoyed the characters. The youngest Cole daughter, Gypsy, is absolutely adorable. I also so enjoyed Hank, whom Gypsy made friends with at a store and who became a family friend. I enjoyed the way he cared about and spent time with Gypsy. That was rather sweet, actually. Then there's Sam Potts (Don Haggerty), a faithful family friend who travelled with and settles on the farm with them, and store owner Wilhelmina (Nancy Kulp), who falls head over heels in love with Sam.
The film delivers so many humorous moments - especially the drunk chicken!! And Clint Walker is an absolute hunk of a man!! This prime beef is a huge man, but such a gentle, good-hearted soul. He is a feast for the eyes every scene he is in!
I absolutely loved 'The Night of the Grizzly', and was thoroughly entertained. This is actually a darn good movie.