THE LIFE AND TIMES
OF GRIZZLY ADAMS
SUNN CLASSIC PICTURES
NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION (NBC)
Information From IMDb
Plot Summary
In the 1850s, a farmer named James Adams is accused of a crime he didn't commit
and must flee into the mountains.
There, he rescues and cares for an abandoned grizzly bear cub
who subsequently grows into a powerful adult companion named Ben.
In addition, Adams learns that he has an uncanny link to much of the
wildlife of the region who interact with him on their own without fear or aggression.
Now "Grizzly" Adams lives in the wilderness with only an old trader
named Mad Jack and an Native American named Nakuma
as his only regular human friends.
There he meets and aids a variety of visitors who usually unused
to the dangers this beautiful land can have.
Unfortunately, while he protects the wildlife from unnecessary harm,
he still must be watchful for the bounty hunters looking for the price on his head.
Written by Kenneth Chisholm
Series Cast
Dan Haggerty ... James 'Grizzly' Adams (37 episodes, 1977-1978)
Denver Pyle ... Mad Jack (37 episodes, 1977-1978)
Don Shanks ... Nakoma (36 episodes, 1977-1978)
John Bishop ... Robbie Cartman (5 episodes, 1977-1978)
Jack Kruschen (2 episodes, 1977-1978)
Series Directed
Jack B. Hively (15 episodes, 1977-1978)
Richard Friedenberg (10 episodes, 1977-1978)
James L. Conway (4 episodes, 1977)
Sharron Miller (4 episodes, 1977)
Series Produced
Leonard B. Kaufman .... producer (4 episodes, 1977)
Arthur Stolnitz .... producer (2 episodes, 1977)
Charles E. Sellier Jr. .... executive producer (unknown episodes)
Series Writing Credits
Charles E. Sellier Jr. (16 episodes, 1977)
Malvin Wald (9 episodes, 1977-1978)
Leonard B. Kaufman (6 episodes, 1977-1978)
Jack Jacobs (5 episodes, 1978)
and others...
Series Original Music
Bob Summers (1 episode, 1978)
Trivia
Ben, the bear was played by Bozo and Mad Jack's mule was Number 7.
Mad Jack: [title sequence narration]
They call me Mad Jack, and if there is anybody in these mountains that knows the real story about James Adams, that'd be me. So I'm putting it down in writing just how it happened in hopes of setting the record straight. Well, my friend Adams was accused of a crime he didn't commit, so he escaped into the mountains, leaving behind the only life that he ever knew. Now that wilderness out there ain't no place for a greenhorn and his chances of survivin' were mighty slim. Weren't no time at all before he was beaten down, ragged and nearly starved. Long about then, he came upon a grizzly bear cub, all alone and helpless. Now Adams knew that little critter couldn't survive without his help; so he started right down that cliff, risking his own life to save it.
Memorable Quote
[chuckles]
Mad Jack: Now that cub took to Adams right off. And that was when he discovered that he had special kind of way with animals; They'd just come right up to him like he was a natural part of the wilderness. But that bear cub, he was extra special. As he growed, he became the best friend Adams ever had, and together, they became a legend.
Filming Locations
Park City, Utah, USA
Payson, Arizona, USA
Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA
Opening Titles
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[/extendedmedia]Wonderful Theme Song
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