King of the Grizzlies

King of the Grizzlies

Year: 1970

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Ron Kelly

AdventureFamily

Moki, a Cree Indian, becomes foreman of a vast cattle ranch owned by his former army commander while carrying his people's traditions. After rescuing a bear cub named Wahb, he forms a mystical bond. Years later the grown 1,300‑lb grizzly returns, threatening the herd, and Moki must confront the powerful animal amid stunning wilderness.

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Timeline & Setting – King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of King of the Grizzlies (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century (1870s-1890s)

Set during the late 19th century, the story unfolds amid westward expansion, ranching, and frontier culture in the American West. The era's rough justice and intimate relationship with the land shape the characters' decisions. This is a world where traditions clash, yet loyalty and survival drive every choice.

Location

Pearson's Ranch, Gray Bull Territory, Rocky Mountain West

Pearson's ranch sits on the edge of the late 19th-century American West, where open pasture meets rugged wilderness. The Gray Bull Territory marks Wahb's domain and the surrounding frontier, a landscape that tests both men and beasts. The setting emphasizes expansive skies, forested foothills, and the constant tension between expansion and wild nature.

🏞 Frontier 🐂 Ranching 🌲 Wilderness

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Main Characters – King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Meet the key characters of King of the Grizzlies (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Moki (John Yesno)

A Cree foreman who carries the Four-Toed totem mark, he is calm, capable, and deeply connected to the land. He believes in a mystical tie with Wahb and seeks restraint over vengeance. He serves as mediator between the ranch, the bear, and colonial authority, choosing diplomacy over violence.

🪶 Indigenous heritage 🗺 Frontier life 🛡 Protector

Wahb

Growing from cub to mature grizzly, Wahb embodies nature's raw power and a hint of sentience. His four-toed foot marks his destiny and ties to Moki, suggesting a mystic bond beyond simple predator-prey dynamics. He can be dangerous, yet his appearances shift the balance of the frontier and force human choices.

🐻 Grizzly 🌿 Wildlife 🔗 Destiny

Colonel Pearson (Chris Wiggins)

A former Army officer turned ranch owner who initially pursues Wahb to protect his land and livelihood. He is stubborn, practical, and wary of outsiders, but the encounter with Wahb and Moki ultimately presses him to reconsider violence over restraint. He yields to Moki's plea, choosing peace and prolonging the bear's place on the land.

🎖 Military 🏕 Ranch life 🤔 Stubborn

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Major Themes – King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Explore the central themes of King of the Grizzlies (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Destiny

Destiny threads the fates of Moki and Wahb, suggesting a mystical bond that guides events beyond human control. Moki believes their lives are linked, a force that transcends culture and warrants restraint from violence. Wahb's presence stirs a quiet respect in the Colonel and tests loyalties. The narrative uses this bond to explore whether nature or culture ultimately shapes a person's path.

⚖️ Moral Dilemma

Colonel Pearson's decision to shoot Wahb tests his priorities—land, safety, and authority. Moki tries to persuade him to spare the bear, arguing respect for life and the sanctity of the wild. The tension culminates in a choice where violence could end the conflict or perpetuate it. The resolution hinges on restraint, trust, and the recognition of shared stakes.

🐾 Animal Bond

Moki's bond with Wahb reflects a kinship between human and animal that transcends species. Wahb's growth from cub to guardian mirrors Moki's own development as a leader and mediator. The relationship shows how animals can influence human decisions and territory, and how respect for a creature can redefine loyalty. The film uses this bond to question what constitutes home and duty in the frontier.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

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King of the Grizzlies Summary

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King of the Grizzlies Summary

King of the Grizzlies Timeline

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King of the Grizzlies Timeline

More About King of the Grizzlies

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