The Bears and I

9 years old when it came out. Haven't forgotten about it. Obviously it made an impression. Thinking the bears were named Patch scratch and itch. Been 45 years. I may have a name wrong.. Cant find their names on line...

The live-action movies from Walt Disney Pictures in the 70s (and for different reasons those of the 80s) are some of my favourites of the studio, when it's searching for a way, after Disney's death, to continue with their style and at the same time adapt to the modern cinema that is exploding everywhere. This film is a good example of a story that feels like one of their classic "True-Life Adventures", but mixed with more contemporary problems of colonialism and human-wildlife conflicts. Unfortunately, the best way (quality wise) to watch the movie today is on Disney +, but the version there is quite censored.

Fails to hit the right notes. 'The Bears and I' holds a storyline that we've basically seen before with these Disney animal-filled films, so there's nothing fresh or majorly interesting there. Likewise with the animals themselves, it's the studio's second release in four years that is about bears; see: 'King of the Grizzlies'. This one has a secondary plot involving Whites and Native Americans, another thing we've already seen numerous times. Cast-wise it's alright, with Patrick Wayne leading as Bob. Chief Dan George (Peter) and Michael Ansara (Oliver) are OK, though Valentin de Vargas' character of Sam is ill-written. These type of productions always tend to be rather light with the human cast anyway. The animals are cute and the overall message with them is positive, though you could again raise issues with welfare concerns. The writing and dialogue, meanwhile, is below par. To me, this is paced too slowly and doesn't do enough to separate itself from past films from Disney.

I haven't seen "The Bears and I" in many, many years. Shame on me. Wow, this movie really hit the spot. The story, acting and animals are all great. The standout of this movie is the location photography. It's truly beautiful. I remember I had the book when I was a kid. I wish I could read it now. "The Bears and I" is that good.

Much like the films of the 1960s, The Bears and I has that same nostalgia feeling. Later films wouldn't feel the same. The narration adds to the value in my opinion. Very similar to Charlie the Lonesome Cougar in a few ways. Patrick Wayne was great as Bob Leslie, the man who fosters the bears. I suppose you have to be a fan of the Disney narrative to truly enjoy this picture. Only a true loyal fan can see that this isn't a bad movie. It's what we've come to expect from Disney of the time period, family oriented stories with a touch of class and heart.

This is one of those tattered movies you pick up from the Family 50 cent racks. Surprisingly good movie. Music by John Denver and good performance from Chief Dan George. Also serves as a gentle introduction to concerns about the environment and native issues for younger folks. Strength of the movie is the story-line.