Synopsis

Archibald Belaney leaves England for Canada, where he reinvents himself as Grey Owl, a Native American trapper. His relationship with Anahareo gradually changes his outlook, leading him away from killing animals and toward wildlife conservation. As Grey Owl becomes a celebrated writer and lecturer, the carefully constructed identity he presents to the public faces exposure.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is a fictionalized biography of Archibald Belaney, the English-born outdoorsman who became famous as Grey Owl.

• Richard Attenborough had a personal connection to the subject. As a boy, he and his brother David attended one of Grey Owl's wildlife lectures at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, an experience recreated in the film.

• Filming took place in Saskatchewan and Quebec, as well as Hastings in East Sussex, England. The Canadian locations included Prince Albert National Park, Wakefield, and Chelsea.

• Production ran from March 9 through April 30, 1998.

• Canadian naturalist Hap Wilson trained Pierce Brosnan in practical skills used by Grey Owl, including canoe paddling and axe throwing. Brosnan also practiced snowshoeing and handling a rifle for the role.

• The Northern Cree Singers contributed to the soundtrack and appear in the film.

• The film received criticism for taking liberties with the historical record, although it later found a more favorable audience through home video.

• Costume designer Renee April won the Genie Award for Best Costume Design for her work on the production.

• Made on an estimated $30 million budget, Grey Owl earned approximately $632,617 in the United States and Canada.