A thrill-seeking hunter (Bryan Brown) brings his son, Harry, along on an expedition to capture a grizzly bear. With Indian tracker (Tom Jackson) and jaded hunting colleague (Oliver Tobias) in tow, it isn't long before they seize a pair of cubs. Upon finding her offspring tied-up and caged, the mother bear in turn abducts young Harry. While the hunting party conducts their search, the boy manages to forge a trusting alliance with the beast. However, it isn't long before they're discovered, and a misunderstanding leads to a brutal battle. When father and son rally to help the bear, they discover how much they really care for each other. Richard Harris co-stars as the adult Harry who tells this adventurous and warm-hearted campfire tale to his own grandchildren.