Tarka the Otter is based on the novel of the same name by Henry Williamson and was released in 1979. The film was directed by David Cobham and stars Peter Bennett, Brenda Cavendish, and John Le Mesurier. The movie was shot on location in the North Devon countryside, where the novel is set.
The film follows the life of Tarka the Otter, a newborn cub who grows up learning to survive in the English countryside. He has many close encounters with predators such as foxes and owls but manages to evade them with his nimble movements and quick thinking. Over time, Tarka becomes an accomplished hunter, fishing in rivers and streams, and learning to navigate his way through the landscape.
However, Tarka's peaceful existence is soon threatened when a man named Huntsman arrives on the scene. Huntsman is determined to catch Tarka and keep him as a pet, but the otter is far too clever and resourceful for him. As Tarka tries to avoid capture by Huntsman, he meets a female otter named White-tip, and the two fall in love.
Despite their attempts to evade Huntsman, Tarka and White-tip are eventually caught. In a dramatic climax, Tarka manages to escape from his captors, but not before being severely injured. The film ends with Tarka returning to his river, as a full-grown adult, and starting a new life with his mate.
Tarka the Otter is a beautiful and heartwarming film that captures the beauty of the English countryside and the spirit of this magnificent creature. It is a fantastic story of survival, love, and resilience, which appeals to audiences of all ages.