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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Grizzly (1976). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The movie begins with helicopter pilot and guide Don Stober flying guests high above the lush landscapes of a vast National Park. He explains that the forest remains a pristine reflection of its ancient past, untouched since the times of the Native Americans.

As the story unfolds, two female hikers are in the midst of breaking down their camp when tragedy strikes: one is viciously attacked and killed by a bear. The surviving hiker finds refuge in a nearby cabin, but her safety is short-lived when the bear breaching the walls to get to her. Meanwhile, the Park’s Chief Ranger, Michael Kelly, along with photographer Allison Corwin, who is also the daughter of the park’s restaurant owner, lead a search for the two women. Their grim discovery of the first woman’s disfigured remains inside the cabin leaves them reeling.

In a hospital, a doctor confirms to Kelly that both women were fatalities of a bear attack. Charley Kittridge, the Park Supervisor, swiftly places blame on Kelly, insisting that he and Naturalist Arthur Scott failed to relocate bears from the park ahead of the tourist season. A heated exchange erupts between them regarding the park’s closure; ultimately, they opt to move all hikers away from the mountains while permitting campers to stay in the lower regions. When confronted, Scott reassures them that all bears are accounted for, implying that the predator in question is not native to the area.

However, danger escalates when a female ranger meets a brutal end during a swim near a waterfall, prompting Kelly to enlist Stober’s help for aerial searches. High above the treetops, they spot a figure in the woods, only to uncover that it’s Scott, donning an animal skin in a desperate attempt to track the enormous bear. He warns them that they are dealing with a prehistoric grizzly bear that stands at least 15 feet tall. Skeptical at first, Kelly and Stober cannot dismiss the mounting evidence as further chaos ensues at a crowded campground where the vicious bear attacks and kills yet another woman.

As national media coverage escalates, Kittridge’s refusal to close the park initiates a troubling decision allowing amateur hunters into the wilderness. Kelly, Stober, and Scott express their disgust at this turn of events. Later, a lone hunter narrowly escapes an encounter with the bear, while a ranger stationed in a lookout tower falls victim to the creature’s relentless fury when it demolishes the structure.

With anger boiling between Kelly and Kittridge over the ongoing dangers, Scott makes the decision to track the bear alone. On the park’s edge, chaos erupts once more as a mother and her child are attacked; the mother perishes while the child endures horrifying injuries. This shocking event finally compels Kittridge to relent and allow Kelly to close the park along with a ban on hunting.

In a bid to capture the elusive bear, Stober and Kelly set a trap using a deer carcass. They chase after the beast only to realize they have been led into a trap themselves. Meanwhile, Scott uses his own strategy, dragging the carcass on horseback to lure the beast, but he unexpectedly faces the bear, which mauls his horse and leaves him unconscious. When Scott comes to, he finds himself partially buried, but the grizzly soon returns to finish the job.

The devastation deepens as Kelly and Stober discover Scott’s lifeless body. Driven by sorrow and determination, they return to the helicopter to search for the bear from the sky. Spotting it in a clearing, they land quickly, but the bear attacks their helicopter, throwing Stober away from the craft. In a desperate act of survival, Kelly retrieves a bazooka from the chopper and, just as the bear closes in, fires it at the creature, annihilating it instantly.

As the remnants of the grizzly burn, Kelly is left standing in a moment of quiet reflection, staring somberly at the loss of both the bear and his companion, Stober, who lies lifeless nearby.

Timeline

Track the key events of Grizzly (1976) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Helicopter Tour Begins

The movie opens with helicopter pilot Don Stober guiding tourists over a vast National Park. He describes the untouched beauty of the forest, a landscape that has remained unchanged since the times of the Native Americans, setting a serene backdrop for the unfolding events.

National Park

Tragedy Strikes

While two female hikers are breaking camp, one is suddenly attacked and killed by a bear. This shocking event sets off a chain reaction of panic and fear in the park, particularly for the surviving hiker who later finds shelter in a nearby cabin.

Camping Site

Bear Breaks Into Cabin

The surviving hiker seeks refuge in a cabin, believing she is safe, but the bear quickly breaches the walls in search of her. This moment heightens the tension and showcases the bear's terrifying strength.

Cabin

Search Party Initiated

Park Chief Ranger Michael Kelly and photographer Allison Corwin begin their search for the two hikers. Their mission turns grim when they discover the disfigured remains of the first victim inside the cabin, underscoring the seriousness of the threat they face.

Cabin

Bear Attack Confirmed

In the hospital, a doctor confirms to Ranger Kelly that the two women were victims of a bear attack. Park Supervisor Charley Kittridge blames Kelly for failing to manage the park's bear population ahead of tourist season.

Hospital

Rangers Under Pressure

With the park still open, a female ranger is brutally killed while swimming near a waterfall, prompting Kelly to enlist Stober for aerial support in the search for the bear. The danger escalates as they realize they are facing an unprecedented threat.

Waterfall

Discovery of the Prehistoric Grizzly

While conducting aerial searches, Kelly and Stober come across Arthur Scott dressed in animal skin, who warns them of a prehistoric bear estimated to be 15 feet tall. This alarming revelation changes their assessment of the situation dramatically.

Woods

Bear Attacks Campground

The bear strikes again, attacking a crowded campground and leading to another woman's gruesome death. National media coverage of the attacks intensifies, putting further pressure on park officials regarding safety measures.

Campground

Chaos and a Hunter's Escape

In an alarming turn of events, a lone hunter narrowly escapes a deadly encounter with the bear. Meanwhile, a ranger stationed in a lookout tower is killed as the bear demolishes the structure, showcasing the creature's relentless ferocity.

Lookout Tower

Mother and Child Attack

Things take a tragic turn when a mother and her child are attacked by the bear. The mother dies from her injuries while the child sustains horrifying wounds, marking a turning point that compels park authorities to take action and close the park.

Park's Edge

Setting the Trap

In an effort to capture the bear, Kelly and Stober set a trap with a deer carcass. Their plan backfires as they realize they have been lured into a trap themselves, emphasizing the cunning of the bear.

Forest

Scott's Fatal Encounter

Scott attempts to draw the bear out by dragging the carcass on horseback but faces the bear directly. The ensuing attack leaves him unconscious, signaling the bear's overwhelming threat once again.

Forest

Grizzly's Demise

After discovering Scott's lifeless body, Kelly and Stober use the helicopter to locate the bear. In a climactic battle, Kelly fires a bazooka at the bear just as it charges, finally bringing the creature down.

Clearing

Moment of Reflection

As the remnants of the grizzly burn, Kelly stands in silence, reflecting on the tragic events that transpired. He mourns the loss of his friend Stober and the bear, highlighting the weight of nature's fury and human vulnerability.

Park

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Grizzly (1976) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Don Stober (Andrew Prine)

Don Stober is a skilled helicopter pilot and guide, navigating tourists through the breathtaking landscapes of the National Park. His expertise is put to the test as he becomes embroiled in the deadly bear crisis, showcasing his bravery and resourcefulness in high-stress situations. Stober's journey reflects the duality of adventure and peril, as he transforms from a tour guide to a fighter for survival.

✈️ Helicopter Pilot 🛡️ Bravery 🌲 Nature Lover

Michael Kelly (Christopher George)

Michael Kelly is the Chief Ranger tasked with ensuring the safety of park visitors while dealing with the chaos unleashed by the bear attacks. He embodies the struggle between duty and the emotional toll of tragedy as he faces mounting pressure from both authoritative figures and the public. Kelly's character reflects a commitment to protect, even at great personal cost.

🦸‍♂️ Chief Ranger 💔 Grief 🚨 Authority

Allison Corwin (Joan McCall)

Allison Corwin is a determined photographer and the daughter of the park's restaurant owner, intertwining her personal stakes with her professional duties. Her unwavering resolve to help in the search for the missing hikers showcases her courage, yet she also faces emotional challenges stemming from the unfolding tragedy. Allison becomes a strong ally in the fight against the bear threat.

📸 Photographer 👩‍👧 Family Ties 💪 Courage

Arthur Scott (Richard Jaeckel)

Arthur Scott is a Naturalist and vital ally in tracking the bear. His knowledge of wildlife is complemented by a rugged determination to confront the impending dangers. Scott's dual struggle with his professional responsibilities and personal fears signifies his complex character arc, especially as he faces the consequences of the bear's aggression.

🧑‍🏫 Naturalist 🌍 Wildlife Expert ⚔️ Confrontation

Setting

Uncover the settings of Grizzly (1976), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The storyline unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting a time where nature and danger intersect, particularly as interactions with wildlife become a pressing issue. The events highlight societal tensions regarding wildlife management and tourism safety, which remain relevant in today’s discussions around conservation.

Location

National Park

The National Park serves as the central setting of the film, characterized by its rugged beauty and lush landscapes. Known for its pristine environment, it embodies the untouched wilderness that has remained largely undisturbed since the times of Native Americans. The park's vastness becomes a backdrop for both adventure and tragedy as it hosts a nefarious bear threat.

🏞️ Nature 🐻 Wildlife

Themes

Explore the core themes of Grizzly (1976). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🦖

Survival

Survival is a core theme as characters are thrust into a fight against a monstrous bear. The film explores the instinctive drive to live amidst deadly encounters with nature. Each character's resilience is tested, showcasing the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and others in the face of mortal threat.

⚖️

Consequences

Consequences of human actions on wildlife are examined, as poor decisions lead to catastrophic bear encounters. The characters grapple with blame and responsibility, highlighting the bond between humanity and nature. The tragic events serve as a warning about the impact of neglecting environmental care.

🚁

Adventure

Adventure permeates the narrative as the characters take to the wilderness in search of the bear. The exhilarating aerial pursuits and wilderness escapades are rife with suspense and tension, underscoring a theme of exploration. Yet, this adventure quickly turns into horror, transforming the thrill of discovery into a struggle for survival.

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