The film is based on the book of the same name by Farley Mowat himself. It stars Charles Martin Smith as Mowat, and was directed by Carroll Ballard. It was released in 1983.
When Mowat is sent to the Canadian tundra to study the wolf population, he is initially unprepared for the harsh conditions he faces. However, he soon becomes fascinated by the wolves and their behavior. He sets out to observe them in the wild, and in doing so, he begins to dispel many of the myths and misconceptions about these animals.
Mowat realizes that wolves are not the vicious predators that they are often made out to be. Instead, they are social animals that play a vital role in the ecosystem of the north. He observes their hunting and mating behavior, and he also witnesses the way they care for their young.
As he continues his research, Mowat begins to understand that the real threat to the caribou herds and the environment in general is human activity. He sees how mining and other industrial activity is destroying the land, and he also sees how hunters are indiscriminately killing wolves.
Despite the challenges he faces, Mowat persists in his research, and he ultimately comes to see the wolves as allies rather than enemies. He realizes that they are an integral part of the delicate balance of nature, and he works to protect them from human interference.
Never Cry Wolf received positive reviews upon its release, and it is considered to be a classic of environmental cinema. It is notable for its stunning cinematography and its portrayal of the beauty and majesty of the Canadian wilderness.