Word About Biehn

Though it may not break any new ground, Silver Wolf is a pleasant family drama set amidst the beauty of wintry mountain grandeur. Its acting is good, its eponymous hero is one of unquestionable appeal, and it is blessed with Michael's welcome presence.

Sixteen-year-old Jesse McLean has lost his father in a skiing accident. Reeling from the tragedy and feeling alienated from his mother, he goes to live with his Uncle Roy (Michael), a forest ranger in the fictitious Northern Washington National Park. A loner himself, Roy understands the boy's need for space and time to heal and provides them along with patience, sage advice-at one point Jesse calls him Obi-Roy Kenobi-and quiet support. Settling into his new life, Jesse enrolls in a local school and meets new friends, but it's not until he and Roy discover an injured wolf and heal it that Jesse's own healing begins. Through his adventures with Silver Wolf (including an exciting skijoring race through beauteous wilderness country) and his efforts to protect his wild friend from a wolf-hating rancher, Jesse comes to understand that just as Silver must return to his own kind, so too must he (Jesse) return to his mother and his home.

Despite his top billing, Michael's role in Silver Wolf is really a supporting one. He does have a decent amount of screen time, however, and though he may not have a lot of substance to work with, not much to sink his teeth into, he does deliver a very sound performance. Two scenes in particular I like very much. The first is Roy's display of urgent concern, as, heedless of his own safety, he rushes headlong and literally into the wolf's den to aid his injured nephew. And second is his revelation to Jesse of a truth about his past and his own fears of the wilderness. The role of Uncle Roy may not be a demanding one, but Michael definitely makes it a likable one. And appearing a bit scruffy throughout, he looks wonderful!

Kay