Based on the same true story that inspired the much more recent "The Revenant", "Man in the Wilderness" is a truly impressive survival drama. It stars Richard Harris as Zachary Bass, one of a group of fur traders in the Northwest Territories in 1820. They've spent two years collecting their wares, and are now making their way South to a particular river that will take them to trading posts. However, as the film opens, Bass is very badly maimed by a bear. His companions believe he's a goner, and leave him behind. But Bass has an incredible will to live. His struggles to exist in the wilderness - and possible desire for revenge - form the balance of the film.

"Man in the Wilderness" is exquisitely shot in scope by the talented Gerry Fisher, written with heart by Jack DeWitt, and directed extremely well by Richard C. Sarafian of "Vanishing Point" fame. Bass' resolve is simply amazing, and Harris does a very fine job of creating a vivid and engaging character, a man who lived his life not particularly caring for what others consider "Gods' will". This man earns his sympathies honestly, and his situation is compelling every step of the way. There are some beautifully poignant moments throughout, both in the past (we see flashbacks to earlier parts of Bass' life) and present.

At the head of the supporting cast is a typically commanding John Huston as Captain Henry, the leader of the trappers who insists that everything be done his way. Henry demands that their ship continue to be transported along with men, mules, and supplies, despite the fact that it really slows them down. Henry Wilcoxon, Percy Herbert, Dennis Waterman, Prunella Ransome, Norman Rossington, and James "Scotty" Doohan are all fine as well.

There are some scenes that may be upsetting to some in the audience, but things remain convincing and believable for the duration of this well executed production.

Eight out of 10.

"Man in the Wilderness" is based on a possibly true story about a man who was nearly killed by a bear in the wilderness but was left for dead by his comrades. It was recently remade as "The Revenant" but with a very different angle..one of revenge instead of forgiveness and growth.

The story is set in the early 19th century...well before most western films. A group of explorers are out west, much like the famous Lewis & Clark expedition. But when a bear mauls Hugh Glass (Richard Harris),the leader of the expedition is more intent on making fast progress than dragging the seemingly dying man along with them. So he orders a couple of men to stay with Glass until he dies. But when he didn't, the pair decide to bury him anyway and return to their comrades! But Glass is insanely strong and manages to survive and make his way 200 miles to safety through the course of the movie.

I did a bit of research about Glass, as the story was interesting and made me very curious. It seems that he was a real person BUT the story about his might or might not be true...no one knows for sure. He himself didn't write about the bear attack and some assume the story was highly embellished or simply untrue. Who knows? All I know is that it made for a dandy film...one of Harris' best.

By the way, the music in this film is really nice. Also, it was odd seeing Henry Wilcoxen playing an American Indian. He sure looked the part but the British guy really had no American Indian blood of any type in him.

It's 1820. Captain Henry (John Huston) leads an expedition to transport their valuable furs. They are moving their ship overland. Along the way, Zachary Bass (Richard Harris) goes hunting for deer when he gets mauled by a bear. Captain Henry leaves the dying man behind. Bass recovers and follows his comrades in Indian territories.

Reading the synopsis, this is The Revenant (2015). The difference is that the more compelling story and character is Captain Henry in this version. I like the idea of treating Bass as a feared avenging spirit. Bass' journey is half in flashbacks and not as interesting. There's also a question of leaving him behind. It seems perfectly feasible for the group to load the wounded man onto the ship. Leaving him behind makes no sense. It would be more reasonable if they believe that he's dead already. I also love the visual of the ship. The movie should do more with it. I would have liked a horror movie following Captain Henry and I would like a different ending.