King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Like almost all of Disney's film/documentary productions up until this point, <em>'King of the Grizzlies'</em> is unfortunately a bore. These are an odd thing, they are somewhat difficult to review as there is barely anything film-related to them - it's just a manufactured documentary made to look like something else. It's tough to make it work as a film to be honest, especially with the animal welfare concerns. This files under the same category as 1961's <em>'Nikki, Wild Dog of the North'</em> and 1962's <em>'The Legend of Lobo'</em>, the latter is slightly better than the other two but even so they are all pretty poor. In fairness, this one actually starts off mildly interesting but by the hour mark I was practically begging for the end to come. There is one moment which is kind of enjoyable, it involves Shorty (Hugh Webster). It's basically a scene that the Benny Hill theme song wouldn't sound out of place in, to the point of it showing potential for a shenanigan-filled production where Wahb the bear constantly interrupts Shorty's plans for a settlement or something - I reckon that would've been funny - perhaps repetitive? - to watch. The very small and minor cast are meh, as is narrator Winston Hibler. Jacques Fauteux and Rex Allen do decent jobs in the earlier mentioned productions, Hibler doesn't quite hit the same level as those two; even if he is the best part of this. Not one I'd recommend, that's for sure.