Go!
Where nature rules,
beauty reigns.
What?
That's something your
grandma used to say.
I never get tired
of this drive.
Isn't it something?
I see trees, Grandpa...
...and snow.
So...
Your mom and dad are
traveling around Europe.
And they didn't take me.
I'm so happy you're
here, Buttercup.
Mom said you
could use some company.
Well, you're not
just company...
...you're family.
Too bad you didn't come in
a day earlier.
We could've watched
the Race to the Sky.
One of the biggest dog sled
races in the country.
Dog sled race?
What century is this?
You would've enjoyed it.
Very exciting.
Dogs are magnificent.
If you want me to slow down
so you can enjoy the view
just say the word.
You mind
if we stop in town?
I need to go to the post office.
How far is town?
We're here.
This is town?
Yep.
I love this town.
You don't get this
back in Boston.
This is it.
Want to see our post office?
That's very tempting, Grandpa,
but I think I'll wait here.
Damn, boy.
That is the fourth race
you've lost.
Fourth!
You're starting to embarrass me!
In front of the entire town.
The sled runners are bent from the
accident last week and the dogs are tired.
- Maybe we should let them rest.
- Excuses, excuses, excuses!
You're nothing but a
mother-loving excuse machine!
- Oh, here.
- Good race, Ozzie.
Quit your moping.
Heep.
Is that any way you treat a boy?
Why don't you mind your
own business, Hale.
Shouldn't you be home...
...having a heart attack?
Come on!
- Hi, Mr. Hale.
- Hi, Jack.
Did you see the race? I came in
fourth in the junior division.
Fourth?
I was running first
until the last few turns.
I notice you tend
to brake on the turns
just when those dogs
really want to run.
Grandpa? I'm cold and bored.
I'm cold and bored.
Well, we'll get you home
and we'll get you toasty.
Ryan, this is Jack Ferguson,
lives next door.
That's my granddaughter.
She's from Boston.
City girl, huh?
I should get the dogs fed.
It's nice to meet you, Ry.
- Whatcha looking at?
- Do you have satellite TV?
No, but I got hot chocolate.
Come on.
Your mom gave me a list of
chapters you need to read
so you don't fall
behind in school.
Looks like a lot of work.
Not really.
I'm pretty good in school.
Uh-huh.
You still play soccer?
No?
You were a pretty fine
player, weren't you?
The Beacon Hill girls
don't play soccer.
- They say it's for tomboys.
- Uh-huh.
The Beacon Hill girls?
Brittney and Chloe. They're the
most popular girls in my class.
Oh, and they're
friends of yours.
I tell people they are,
but...
I don't think they say
the same about me.
Oh, I see.
They have the best cell phones,
the coolest clothes...
Brittney goes skiing in Italy.
And Chloe's family owns
a house in St. Barts.
Impressive.
And I'm stuck here
in Montana.
Oh...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
A sad fate for
any little girl.
Bed time,
Buttercup.
Would you like me
to read you a story?
Grandpa, I'm ten.
Oh. Right. Yeah.
Sorry.
Hi, are you staying
at Mr. Hale's?
- Yeah.
- We're collecting pine cones.
Wanna come?
Pine cones?
Gosh, that sounds
really exciting.
She's not from around here,
Rusty. Let's go.
These mountain people are crazy.
- What's all this?
- My wish book.
- All the things I want.
- What is this?
- A clip for your hair.
- Forty dollars?
Chloe has one.
It's really cool.
I see.
Mom and dad won't let me
have most of this stuff.
They say not getting everything
I want builds character.
I think I would have a lot of character if they
surprised me and got me everything I want.
You do, huh?
But I never get any good
surprises in my life.
Oh...
The world is full of surprises,
if you look at it
with the right eyes.
That sounds like grandpa talk.
But thanks for trying
to cheer me up.
Hello.
Hey.
What's up?
I heard something.
You don't have ghosts, do you?
No.
Probably a raccoon.
They like to show up and
make a mess of the garbage
when I forget to lock
the trash cans.
Let's surprise them.
- It's a dog.
- Just a dog?
Not just a dog.
One heck of a dog.
Look at the size of him.
Careful...
...it might be feral.
Feral?
Wild. There's some
wild dogs around.
This dog's in bad shape.
We better call the vet.
He's been fighting.
Probably with a bear or a bobcat.
Could be some internal bleeding.
Is he going to die?
It doesn't look good.
He's hardly breathing,
may have punctured a lung.
And, Bill,
that's not a dog...
...not entirely, anyway.
- What do you mean?
- Well, look at him.
He's got a lot of wolf in him.
He's a hybrid.
Can we keep him?
Look... This animal is
in pretty bad shape, Bill.
I could operate,
but I think the only reasonable
option would be...
...put him to sleep.
You mean to kill him?
He didn't do anything.
- You can't just kill him.
- Right.
If he wants to die
he can die here.
But I'm not going
to let you kill him.
Tell you what.
How about I check in
on you tomorrow?
I'm guessing by then the only
question will be...
...disposal.
Hold it right there now.
We're talking about a wolf here,
right? Like...
I mean, is it safe?
He's in no condition
to harm anyone.
And he looks like he's
more dog than wolf, anyway.
It's safe.
Thanks, Doc.
- All right.
- All right.
OK, Ry...
Let's let him sleep and we'll
see how he is in the morning.
Can we put a heater
out here for him?
Sure.
Thanks, Grandpa.
This is Call of the Wild
by Jack London.
One of my favorite books
when I was just a little bit
older than you.
But kids these days,
well...
This isn't about bunny rabbits
or fairies or something is it?
It's about a dog.
"Buck did not read
the newspapers
or he would have known
that trouble was brewing..."
Who's Buck?
Buck is a dog.
The writing gets kind of fancy,
do you mind if I paraphrase now and again?
- Paraphrase?
- Mm-hm.
Put it into my own words.
- OK.
- All right.
"You see, it was 1897
and gold was discovered
in the Yukon."
- That's in Canada.
- Right.
"Now, down in sunny California
there was a dog named Buck
who lived on a huge estate.
Buck was four years old.
Part St. Bernard and
part Scotch Shepherd.
He was large and very smart,
and he lived like a king.
On the property worked a
gardener who had a dark heart.
When he learned that there was
a good market for strong dogs,
he took Buck to meet a strange
man down the road one night.
Money changed hands
and the gardener handed
the leash to the other man.
Buck could not know that when
this second man led him away
he would never see
his home again."
How about we continue
this tomorrow night?
I'm not sleepy yet.
Keep reading.
Ryan!
Buttercup!
Butter... Buttercup!
Ry.
What are you doing?
He's feeling better.
How long have you
been out here?
Just since the sun came up.
He thinks he's a dog.
He wants to be friends.
- Can I keep him?
- Ry, that is a wild animal.
Not anymore.
I gave him a name.
Really?
Buck.
I want you to understand that,
even if he fully recovers,
he's still a wild animal.
He can't live in a townhouse.
Listen...
I have to do some
errands in town.
What do you say we go
and get some ice cream?
Can we get some food
for Buck, too?
Sure.
Let's go.
Hi, Mr. Hale.
Hi, Marla.
How you doing today?
I'm doing good.
How are you doing?
Doing great.
Thank you.
Good.
How would you like
your own ear-flap hat?
Are you kidding?
I would be laughed
out of school.
Hey, do you have any wolf food?
Wolf food?
Oh, you mean like wolf chow?
No, I'm afraid we don't.
Then what's the best dog food
that you have?
I haven't tasted any myself, but
the most expensive kind we have
is the Happy Dog Banquet Feast.
It's those cans over there.
Ry, I think dry food
is good enough for Buck.
Mom and dad said
I could buy what I want
and I want Buck to have
the best food.
Put this on my tab,
will you Marla?
Sure thing, Mr. Hale.
Oh! I have something
else for you.
It's for Marcy.
Actually, it's for you.
It's that old sweater you
used to wear all the time.
Your wife asked me
to sew some leather patches
on the elbows for you.
Well, you know,
I kind of forgot about it.
I'm sorry.
She used to hate
this old sweater.
Always teased me
she was gonna throw it out
when I wasn't looking.
Thought she...
...finally did.
Nope. I guess she just wanted
to fix it up for you.
God bless you, Mr. Hale.
Come on, Buck.
Come on. It's really cozy.
Can I sleep out here
with Buck tonight?
What do you suppose the chances
are I'm gonna let you sleep in
this cold garage with a wolf?
When you put it like that
I guess not very good.
Good guess.
- For that you get a prize.
- What?
All the toothpaste
you can fit on your brush.
- Come on.
- Good night, Buck.
Should I keep reading?
- Yes.
Try and stay awake so I can get
to the good part, will you?
"Buck was put into the baggage
car of a great express train.
This train traveled
all the way to the sea
where Buck was put
aboard a cargo ship.
For seven days the ship
traveled northward.
And for seven days Buck
had very little to eat.
What little food
was brought to him
was brought by a man
in a red sweater.
Buck blamed the man for
everything that happened to him.
When he had his chance,
Buck tried to get away...
...but the man had a club.
Buck had never been struck
by a club in his life.
The man beat him and beat him
until Buck could fight no more.
He learned that a man
with a club made the law.
The man in the red sweater said:
'Obey, dog, and you'll
be treated fine.
Be a bad dog and I'll beat
the tar out of you. Understand?'
Buck understood, but he
was not happy about it."
Does he get away?
We'll have to see.
Seems Buck has entered a world
where he doesn't exactly fit.
And that could mean trouble.
I'm glad our Buck ended up
where he belongs.
Good night, Buttercup.
Sweet dreams.
Come on, Buck.
You wanna be a pet, don't you?
Pets have it made.
It's a nice collar.
Look, leather.
Come on, Buck.
Don't you want to look cool?
Buck, it's so pretty.
Wonders never cease.
Come on, boy.
- Hey, kid.
- Shh! Almost have him.
- Is that a wolf?
- It's a dog-wolf.
- His name's Buck.
- He looks strong.
Smart, too.
Hey.
- Morning, Jack.
- Morning.
Didn't get much sleep
last night?
I don't sleep much at all
these days.
He likes me.
I'm going to talk mom and dad
into letting me keep him.
Ry.
Wait till Brittney
and Chloe see.
Chloe's family has an Afghan
and Brittney's has a Shar-Pei.
But nobody,
and I mean nobody in
Beacon Hill has a pet wolf.
Come on, Ryan.
You're gonna love
this place.
- Hey, Mr. Hale.
- How you doing today?
- Good. How are you doing?
- Not too bad.
I have something to take care of
at the bank, Buttercup.
Tracy, let this little girl
have whatever she wants.
As long as she doesn't
overdo it.
- OK.
- Grandpa?
Can you please not call me
Buttercup around other people?
- It's embarrassing.
- Sorry.
How about
a strawberry sundae.
- Hey, Jack.
- Oh! Hi.
Hi, Tracy. Hi.
I didn't know you
were working today.
I... I came in for a...
...drink.
I... I mean soda.
I think we can manage that.
You race sled dogs?
Well, I try to.
Kind of still learning.
I can't believe people make
dogs race in the snow.
Are you kidding?
They love it!
They're bred for it.
Once you have them hooked in,
it's hard to keep them
from running.
How come you didn't win?
My lead dog isn't very good.
Takes a very special dog
to be a good lead.
I have the most
special dog in the town.
Because he's part wolf.
Ozz, are you still trying
to smoke those things?
Practice your bad habit outside.
There's no smoking in here.
Hey! What's so funny,
butt-face?
I... I see you got yourself
a new girlfriend.
Sure she's not too
mature for you?
I'm mature enough to know that
smoking is for losers.
Oh!
How would you like to
wear that ice cream...
- ...on your head?
- Hey! Hey. Come on.
Ozz, you're finished now.
OK.
So this wolf dog you found...
...maybe he'd make
a good lead sled dog.
Maybe, but I'm taking
him home to Boston.
I wish he wandered
into my garage.
Strong as any dog
I've ever seen
and smart enough
to be a lead dog.
I can tell.
Ah, he's learning.
Hey.
Just for fun,
why don't we get the harness,
see how he takes to it.
What?
Afraid he's not smart enough?
Let's go get the harness.
You'll see.
Whoa! Hold on now.
Where'd you get that animal,
little girl?
He was in our garage.
- Ah-ha. Yeah.
- Strong, Pa. Isn't he?
Look at the size of him.
Shh!
So you say you found him?
Well, he looks wild to me.
- Well, he's not.
- Here's the thing.
We found that animal not
five days ago in the wild.
He was stalking a moose
up Horseman's Ridge.
We caught him, put a rope on
him, but he give us the slip.
That's right.
Ozz, here, he'll tell you.
Right.
That's right.
We found that animal.
- He's ours.
- No, he's not.
Something I can
help you with, Heep?
We were just telling
little missy here...
...thanks for finding
our wolf-dog.
What are you
talking about?
We found
that dog ourselves.
Put a rope on it. Ready to
break, he give us the slip.
Any proof of that?
Sure.
That's right.
That's not good enough, Heep.
Mind if I ask what
you're doing here?
Ah, sure. We just come down
the road to buy some eggs.
Oh, that's...
...that's two doors down.
So it is.
We'll be saying, "Good day",
to you then, Heep.
You're not going to let
them take Buck, are you?
No, no, no, no.
Don't worry.
Grandpa.
I want to find out
what happens to Buck.
"Buck was put on a ship and
sailed for seven long days.
At the end of his journey...
...he found himself in the
strange new land of Alaska.
It was a land of
new experiences.
And the newest for him
was the experience of snow.
It wasn't like anything
he'd seen before.
But...
...there was
a new surprise to come.
Buck was strapped into a harness
such as he'd seen
put on horses at home.
Buck learned to run as a team.
Slowly came to accept
his new station in life.
At night, since the men wouldn't
let him sleep in the warm tent,
he had to learn
from the other dogs
how a Yukon dog prepares
its own cozy bed."
Oh, morning, Bill.
Sorry to bother you so early.
Always happy to see you, Rene.
Um... Heep here says
that you've got his dog.
Well, I don't know about that.
Came 'round a few days ago.
Dr. Spencer said
it was near death.
My granddaughter pretty much
nursed it back to life.
Look, it's a wolf.
Bill, that ain't no pet
for a little girl.
I'm not that little
and you're a liar.
Shh! Ryan.
You better teach that little city
girl here some manners, Bill.
I just want to thank you.
Thank you for taking care
of our dog.
We'll have him back now.
I would need some proof of that.
What kind of proof you want?
We found him.
Now I want...
He's got spirit and that's
how come we want him back.
Anyway, he takes to the boy
more than me. Oswald.
He bonds with the boy.
Is that the kind of proof
you're looking for, Sheriff?
Well, I'm not a judge.
The legal thing to do would be
to put the animal in the pound
until the matter
could be settled in court.
No way.
Buck is ours.
First of all, this girl
doesn't live around here.
Second, I have the best
sled team in this valley
and that'd be a fittin' place
for that dog.
I bet you're not that good.
I bet Jack is better.
If you don't think so,
why don't you race him?
- What?
- Now, there's an idea.
Why don't you two have a race and
the winner takes claim of the animal?
- What kind of race?
- How about the last loop
of the Race to the Sky course?
That's a good couple miles.
- What do you say, Jack?
- I...
Is it OK if Buck
could be on our team?
Oh! It'd take five months
to get that dog sled trained.
Besides, take someone
a hell of a lot better than...
...Jack Ferguson.
Ferguson.
We'll do it.
Two weeks from today.
If you're not too scared.
The winner of the race
takes claim to the dog.
Um, the wolf.
To Buck.
Fair enough.
Move your butt.
Where you think
you're going?
Get in the back.
What for?
'Cause I don't want that
bacon grease all over my seats.
Get in the back!
But, Pa, it's freezing.
It's fine with me.
Walk home then.
Ah...
If you want the dogs to
start running you say, "Hike."
If you want them to go right
you say, "Gee."
If you want them to go left
you say, "Haw."
- How do you say, "Whoa?"
- Whoa!
- When do you say, "Mush?"
- Never. That's only in movies.
You better run.
Gotcha!
Watch it there.
Leave me alone!
- Hey!
- Gotcha!
"In time,
Buck grew strong as iron.
His sight and scent
became remarkably keen.
Instincts,
long dead,
became alive again.
He was growing at home
in his wild surroundings.
And Buck knew that his life...
...would never be the same."
Do you think we
could win the race?
We have to if
I want to keep Buck.
Ry...
You know that's up to
your mother and father.
Even if you win the race,
it may not even be up to them.
It may be up to Buck.
Anyway, we're gonna win.
It's time
for the big test.
A sled dog has to get along
with his teammates.
See him? Huh?
That's our new lead dog.
It's Buck, OK?
Gotta listen to him.
Hike!
I said, "Hike!"
- Way to go, Buck!
- He's making them run.
Well, looks like
he's the leader.
They're really running.
We just might have
a sled dog after all.
Only for the race.
Don't forget,
I'm taking him home to Boston.
Uh-oh. It's Tracy.
She's the prettiest girl
in town.
She takes piano lessons
from my mom.
Hi, Jack.
Hi, Tracy.
We're just training this canine.
It looks like you have
your work cut out for you.
It's a new leash.
- Good luck with your dog.
- It's a new leash.
Do you always act
that weird around her?
Weird?
- She likes you.
- You're crazy.
Hey, Ry.
I've gotta pick up
some supplies in town.
How about I drop you off
so you can do some exploring?
Grandpa, I've already
seen everything in town.
Oh, no, you haven't.
I need a bunch more
of that food, please.
I don't blame you.
I finally tried some myself.
It's delicious.
Hey!
Why are you tracking me?
What are you doing?
A lot of this stuff
is kind of silly.
I never really
noticed it before.
You know what I really need?
A pair of McHenry waterproof
snow boots. Like Jack's.
You aren't afraid
of looking like a local?
I can't train Buck
without some good boots.
OK. Well, we'll see if we can't
find you a pair in town.
Hey! It's story time.
"Over
the next five months
Buck and the dog team
traveled 2,500 miles
in the coldest weather
of the year.
When they arrived at Skagway
the dogs were dead tired.
Fresh dogs were called
to replace them.
And the tired out dogs
were sold.
Buck's team was purchased
by a trio of strangers.
There was Charles,
who grew up working in his father's barber shop.
His wife Mercedes, who has never
done a day of work in her life.
And Mercedes' brother Hal
was a mean cuss
who played cards for a living.
None of them had the slightest
business being in the Yukon.
But they came to Alaska,
like so many others,
expecting to pick up
a fortune in gold nuggets...
...right off the ground.
Buck was unhappy working
for these three greenhorns.
They knew nothing about dogs
and even less
about dog sledding.
They worked the dogs to the
bone and ran out of dog food
when they were still 100 miles
from their destination.
When the dogs stopped pulling,
Hal beat Buck with a stick.
Luckily, they came upon a camp
of a prospector
named John Thornton.
Thornton was a strong man.
But even he was nearly brought
to tears by this scene.
He roared at Hal:
'If you beat that dog again
I'll kill you!'
Thornton cut Buck loose
from the sled.
Terrified,
Hal, Charles and Mercedes pushed
half their supplies off the sled
and proceeded down the trail.
Thornton warned them
not to go further
because the ice on the river
would soon break up.
But they ignored him.
And they were never seen again."
Did Buck finally find the human
he was supposed to be with?
You don't want me to ruin
the rest of the story, do you?
Hey, Grandpa.
What's the deal with that scary
man I saw in town?
Hatcher?
I don't know much about him.
Lives in a cabin up on the
mountain. Keeps to himself.
Some say he's an escaped
convict hiding out.
They say he catches rabbits
with his bare hands
and eats them raw.
When there aren't any rabbits,
he eats rocks.
Every town needs some character
folks can spin rumors about.
Far as I know...
...Hatcher never
bothered anyone.
What's wrong?
Aren't you hungry?
Good morning, Jolene.
Is it?
Go tell that
to my chickens.
If you can find them.
I'm not sure I follow.
Two of my chickens
disappeared last night.
There are feathers
all over the place.
And you suspect foul play.
- How can I help you?
- For starters, Bill,
- you can buy me two chickens.
- Why would I buy you...
I am sure it is that animal
you are keeping in your garage.
He hasn't been
any trouble to anyone.
- He's a menace.
- Hi.
Child, I have seen you
with that animal.
He ate two of my chickens.
No he didn't. He stays
in the garage all night.
He's a good wolf.
Dog.
All I can say is
any more of my chickens
goes a missin'
and I will have
to call the sheriff,
have him take that animal
out and put it down.
Don't worry, Jolene. We'll make
sure he doesn't bother anyone.
From now on, we'll have
to keep Buck tied up.
I don't suppose
he'll like it much.
Who cares about some
dumb chickens, anyway?
Hold it right there,
young lady.
Maybe it's time to take Buck
back into the wild.
Maybe that would be
better for everyone.
He's going to win that race and
show everyone he's a good pet.
And mom and dad
will let me keep him
and Brittney and Chloe
will be jealous.
Is that all you want him for?
No. He's my friend.
Get a move on, boy.
We don't got all day.
The dogs haven't been
running too good, Pa.
I think maybe it's the cheap
dog food you keep buying.
They need meat.
I... I wouldn't mind some,
either.
Can I buy a pair of gloves
in town today, Pa?
My hands is froze.
You lost the pair
I bought you last year.
Why am I gonna waste money
to buy you another pair?
You're just gonna lose
those, too.
You think our dogs
will win the race, Pa?
It ain't about the dogs,
all right?
It's how much brains
the driver has.
You think I got more brains
than Jack Ferguson?
Wouldn't bet the truck on it.
Ah, it don't matter.
I got enough brains
for both of us.
Close up the gate, let's go.
Do you think I'll be able
to bring Buck home with me?
I don't know, Ry.
I'm not sure how much
he'll like the city.
If mom and dad
won't let me have him,
I want you to keep him.
Let's just worry about
winning this race.
Ozz is pretty good on a sled.
Especially if he doesn't
listen to his dad.
Why does a jerk like
that even race dogs?
I'm not sure I can beat him.
I'm not sure at all.
As Grandma used to say:
"Bless this food
and us that eats it."
Amen.
OK, this is the first time
I made pudding all by myself,
so tell me the truth.
- Do you like it?
- It's interesting.
We were almost out of regular
milk so I used buttermilk.
Just the thing.
Hello.
Hi, Paula.
Yes, she's right here.
It's your mother.
Hi, Mom.
I have a surprise for you.
Wait till you see it. OK?
Love you.
She wants to talk to you.
- OK.
Ryan, go make sure
that Buck is tied up.
Hi, Paula.
Yeah, she's having a great time.
Learning dog sledding,
believe it or not.
We're talking
about the same little Ryan.
Listen, Paula, I don't
want to interfere, but...
Ryan has gotten it into her head that she's
gonna bring this dog back to Boston.
It's a large dog, part wolf.
Showed up as a stray
a few days ago.
Yes, well,
that's what I thought.
Yeah, well, I can't see it
living in the city either.
I'll keep you posted.
You have to behave or you'll
be in really big trouble.
And you won't be able
to come back to Boston with me.
I hope you didn't
eat those chickens.
But if you did, I know you
weren't trying to be bad.
This should keep you
out of trouble.
Good night, Buck.
"Buck's wounds healed.
His muscles swelled out,
and the life came back
into his eyes.
He grew quickly
to love his new master.
After all,
this man had saved his life.
Buck knew no greater joy than
Thornton's rough embrace.
But in spite of this great love,
the primitive nature
that the Yukon
had aroused in Buck remained.
There was something in the
forest that called to him,
and he felt compelled to answer.
He took to wandering
on his own for hours, even days
but the love for John Thornton
always drew him back.
At least, for now.
Why he did this,
he did not know.
Nor did he wonder.
But the love for John Thornton
always drew him back."
Thanks, Grandpa.
- Grandpa?
- Mm-hm?
Am I a tomboy?
Uh, that's a silly word.
I'm not sure what it means,
but I don't think it fits you.
I'm never going to be like
the Beacon Hill girls, am I?
Do you think your mother
is a tomboy?
No way!
Let me show you something.
That's your mother.
She used to play softball?
No. Baseball!
Fast pitch!
She used to beg me
to let her play.
I was afraid she'd get hurt,
but I finally gave in.
Turned out to be the best
shortstop in Bristol County.
And on top of that,
she became homecoming queen.
Grandpa, Jack says that Buck is
ready for a cross country run.
- Oh?
- He wants to take the team
up to Cold Creek Trail.
He said I can ride
in the basket.
I told him you would say OK,
because you trust me.
I'm not sure I trust Buck.
And that's unfamiliar
country to you.
Not to Jack.
Please?
You let Mom play baseball.
I don't want you to go...
...any further than a mile.
That way you can walk back
if you have to.
But that's not
very far at all.
The trails are covered
in snow.
It would be easy to get lost.
I know Jack is a good boy,
but your parents trust me
to take care of you.
But a mile?
Promise me...
...you'll stay close.
I promise.
All right. You ready?
Remember to keep your
arms and your hands in.
Let's show these other guys
what a real sled dog can do.
OK?
All right.
Ready to go?
Try and stop us.
We might make it all
the way to the pass.
I was about to tell you, Jack.
I promised Grandpa
we would only go a mile.
It's your first time out.
If you're taking Buttercup,
I want you to stay close.
Buttercup?
Sure, no problem, Mr. Hale.
- OK.
- We'll be back safe.
We'll just have to make the run
a couple of times, OK?
Can you pull the hook
for me?
All right.
You're free to go.
Hike! Hike!
Go Buck!
They're really running.
I wish we could keep going.
Maybe I can talk Grandpa into
letting us go farther tomorrow.
Whoa, whoa!
Buck! Whoa!
Buck! Whoa! Whoa!
- Whoa! Buck, whoa!
- Stop it!
Buck, Ranger,
Sparks, Pepper! Whoa!
Are you OK?
I think so.
Are you?
I twisted my ankle.
Oh, no! It's gonna
take hours to untangle them.
Buck, come here.
Come here.
I need you to listen to me, OK?
I don't know what you were
chasing after back there
but I need you to listen,
all right?
I'm gonna unhook your harness,
so I can untangle all these lines, OK?
Stay!
Buck!
Buck! Come back!
- Where do you think he went?
- Back into the wild.
He'll come back.
He has too.
He'll come back, won't he?
Right now we have
bigger problems.
Like, how we're gonna
get out of here?
No service.
Should we be worried?
Wouldn't help any.
I mean, your grandpa
knows we're out here.
He'll come looking
sooner or later.
You can't tell him that
Buck ran off the trail.
Why not?
Because, he'll say
that Buck is too wild.
We'll just tell him
that it was my fault.
That I wanted to keep going.
It's cold.
Yeah.
Buck!
Hey, Buck!
Well, now...
What are you two doing
all the way out here?
We were running the sled.
The dogs got carried away.
We crashed.
Your dog found my cabin.
Wouldn't stop barking
until I followed him.
You OK?
Jack hurt his ankle.
It's just a twist.
We're a little cold,
but we're fine.
Well, you better come with me.
It's not far.
We can leave the dogs here
for now.
There you go.
Sheriff, let Bill Hale know
that I have his granddaughter
and the Ferguson boy
in my cabin.
Had a little sledding accident
and had to be rescued.
As soon as they warm up, I'll
bring them down on the Snow Cat.
I'll let him know, Roy.
He's going to be
real glad to hear it.
He's been calling for
the last hour frantic.
Be sure to let him know that
his granddaughter is just fine.
I'll see you in a while.
What do you do up here?
I live.
Is that your dog?
Kingo.
Passed away last fall.
Had more sense than
any human I ever knew.
Good companion.
And the best
work dog ever was.
You must really miss him.
Like I'd miss an arm.
Good thing it didn't
get dark on you.
I wasn't afraid.
Anyway, you'll see your
grandpa soon enough.
- Now I'm afraid.
- Well, I guess you should be.
You promised.
Grandpa, I...
You went directly
against my wishes.
And more importantly...
- ...my orders.
- I know.
You promised me and
you did it anyway.
What's a promise worth,
if you don't keep it?
You, at least, are just a child,
but Jack should know better.
It's my fault, Grandpa,
not Jack's.
I am the one who said
to go a little further,
but the dogs took off.
Buck didn't want to stop.
I had a feeling that animal
was going to be trouble.
Buck is not trouble.
- Buck saved our lives.
- I'm not convinced of that, Ry.
I noticed you've fallen very far
behind on your homework, too.
I'm disappointed.
Grandpa...
...are you going
to read me the story?
Not tonight.
You need to think about
what you did today and why.
I think we can forget about you having
anything to do with that race next Saturday.
- But Grandpa!
- Get to bed!
Brought you some doughnuts.
I want to apologize
for yesterday.
I should have known better.
I am just glad you both
came back safely.
You know what?
I'm not going to run the race.
I'm just not
that good on a sled yet.
- I don't know, Jack.
- I do.
Anyway... Take care.
Whatcha doing?
I have to write a paper
on my trip.
Finish your homework?
I even did the extra credit.
My goodness.
I'm proud of you.
Ry...
You remember your grandma?
She was really nice.
You know she left me
this summer.
One day she was down at
the store to get us dinner,
and she had a heart attack
and died before they could
even call a doctor.
No one called me at first,
so I didn't know.
I waited for her to come home.
I just stared at the door...
...waiting.
So...
You understand why I was upset
when you didn't come back
right away.
I was scared that you
might not come back at all.
I'm sorry, Grandpa.
Shall I read the rest of
Call of the Wild?
When we last left off...
"Buck was happy living in
the wilderness with Thornton.
To Buck, it was
boundless delight.
Hunting, fishing, and wandering
through strange places
with his new master.
But the call still sounded
in the depths of the forest.
It filled Buck with great unrest
and wild yearnings
for what he did now know.
Buck began staying away
from camp for days at a time.
Old memories were coming upon
him, memories of his ancestors.
He found an old moose,
and for three days
hunted the moose
until the moose tired
and Buck brought him down."
- He killed a moose?
- Mm-hmm.
"When Buck returned to Thornton's
camp he came upon a group of men
who had robbed Thornton
and beaten him badly.
Buck hurled himself
upon the men in a frenzy
and they fled terrified
into the woods.
Buck found that
his beloved master...
...was dead."
I don't like this book anymore.
I don't want to read
any more of it.
You won't understand the story
if you don't hear the rest.
That's OK.
I wanna go to sleep.
Getting ready for the big race?
Called it off.
Why?
Probably won't win anyway.
How do you know
unless you try?
I've been telling everybody at school
how hard you've been working.
I want to be able to say I knew
you before you were a champion.
You've been talking about me?
Hey Jack, good luck with that race
this weekend. We're rooting for you.
I got to get back to work.
This is the story
of my trip to Montana.
Before I came here,
I didn't know the world could be so beautiful.
Let me tell you about Jack.
He is the nicest boy
I have ever met,
and he has taught me
so much about dogs.
I almost forgot to tell you
about the best part of Montana.
My Grandpa.
He knows everything
there is to know
even though sometimes
I wish he didn't.
He used to be married,
but my grandma died.
I really miss her,
because she was nice.
I bet Grandpa
misses her, too.
But he's a grown-up,
so he can't be sad.
If you ask me,
Grandma is with God now,
watching Grandpa
like a special angel,
even though he doesn't see her.
But I think it's true.
The end.
What's up, Jack?
I've decided
to run that race.
I mean, who says
I'm not good enough?
And you know what?
I'm gonna win!
Well, that's the spirit.
Well, what are you waiting for?
He's gonna need some help!
- Go on!
- Really?
- Yeah!
- Thanks, Grandpa!
Come on Jack, we've only
got a day to get ready.
Oh, Bill.
Hey, Sparks.
How's he doing?
How are my
old fellas? Huh?
How's my lead dog?
Yes, good boy.
Love you, you good boy!
If you don't win, you're gonna
have to go live with Mr. Heep.
You know you
wouldn't want that.
Why don't you let Buck decide?
He's too much wolf
for you, girly.
One of these days
he's gonna turn on you.
Oh, yes he is.
Gonna rip your face clean off.
You're gonna be nothing
but eyeballs and blood.
I'm just kidding with you.
I'm just kidding.
Do you mind if I wish him luck?
You have a good race.
I'll be waiting for you
at the finish line.
And you will be coming
home with me.
It's time to start.
Sleds are on their marks.
Let's make this a nice,
friendly race.
Let's have some fun.
You know exactly
what to do.
I put them dog treats
in both your coat pockets.
If ol' Jack gets too close
you just drop them on the trail.
His dogs will give up
any idea of racing.
Jack, are you sure
you want me to come?
It's extra weight
for the dogs to pull.
I know, but we're a team.
All right, wear this...
...for good luck.
Besides, it'll
keep you warm.
How do I look?
Ha! You look like a winner!
You don't win this race,
don't bother coming home.
You hear me?
Yeah, yeah.
- Good luck kids.
- Ozz, listen.
I iced his snow hook,
so you're gonna get a head start.
Yeah, yeah.
On your mark.
Get set.
Go!
Hike! Hike!
It's stuck!
Come on, Jack!
Hike! Let's Go!
Hike!
Come on. Go, go, go!
Hike!
Come on, boys!
Let's win this thing!
Faster! Faster!
Come on! Come on, Buck!
Go, Buck!
Come on, you mutts!
Hike!
Jack, we gotta catch them.
Come on.
Come on. Whoo!
Hike! Hike!
Ha, ha! Ride like the wind.
Ringo, Sparks, Pepper, go! Go!
Come on, Buck! You can do it!
Come on, you mutts! Pa'll kill
me if we don't win this thing.
Come on, Buck!
- You can do it, Buck!
- Hike!
Go Buck!
Hike! Hike!
Come on, Buck!
Hike! Hike!
Hike! Hike!
Go Buck, come on!
No! I can't
let them catch us!
Hike!
Come on!
We can win this.
That's it, Jack!
Let them run!
Come on, Jack!
Easy now!
Stay clear of Heep's team.
Oh, no!
Come on, guys!
Let's go! Let's go!
- We got him! We got him!
- Yay!
Wait till you get a clear pass.
I think Jack knows
what he's doing.
I believe he does.
And so does
that little girl...
Hike, hike!
- Yay!
- Whoo!
Whoo-hoo!
Whoo!
Come on, Jack! Yes!
Hike!
Damn it, Ozz! Ice him!
Hit him with the ice.
- Come on, Buck!
- Come on!
Looking good!
Whoo!
- Way to go!
- Yay, Jack!
What's the matter with you?
I told you to ice him.
I told you to ice him!
I told you to ice him!
Dog gone it!
You ran a good race.
You did too, Ozz.
Here...
...for your dogs.
I'm sorry about everything.
Maybe I'll see you guys
around sometime.
I graduate next year and
then I'm going to college.
Haven't told my pa yet.
Thanks.
Congratulations.
Sheriff!
Sheriff, that was not
a fair race.
They had two mushers.
- They ought to be disqualified.
- Oh, you lost fair and square.
Wasn't fair to run
that wolf, neither.
- Heep, shut your trap.
- I won!
That wasn't a fair race
and you know it.
Who wants that damn
mongrel, anyway?
Buck, stop!
No one wants to hurt you.
Get him off me!
Help! He's a wild animal!
You all saw that!
He's a wild animal I tell ya!
Well, you better put him down.
I won't press charges.
I'll pull stakes on this
crummy town anyway.
Go some place where
it don't smell so bad!
Stupid little town.
I'm going north.
But I might be back.
Bill, it looks like there's
still too much wild in Buck.
I can't really allow him
to stay in town anymore.
I'll take him back to Boston.
I spoke with your
parents last night
and I told them
about Buck.
You can't bring a wolf
back to the city.
OK?
When I tied him up with
the leash, he got out.
And I don't think it was
the first time, either.
I think he ate
those chickens, too.
I meant to tell you but I didn't
want you to take him away.
I guess he's not
a very good pet.
Ry...
He's a wolf.
He's a great wolf,
but he is a wolf.
He just has to be
in the right place.
Can he go back to the woods?
No, he can't do that.
He's too used to
being where the living is fat.
He'd just come back down again.
I really don't have any choice.
I'm gonna have to
take him to the pound.
Why don't you
say goodbye to him?
Ry? Honey?
OK.
You're a brave girl.
No!
I won't let you take him!
You can't take Buck
to the pound.
No!
Buck!
- I love you, Buck.
- I could use a good dog.
Be useful to me.
Well, he seems to like you.
That's for sure.
Yeah.
Sheriff?
Well, as long as he
stays at the cabin...
...I have no objection.
I think he'll like it up there.
I think he'll like it just fine.
One thing, though...
We'll have to get him
a different collar.
"John Thornton was dead.
The last tie was broken.
The claims of man
no longer bound Buck.
But the natives of these lands
still tell a story.
It is a story of a ghost dog
that runs at the head
of the pack.
They are afraid
of this ghost dog,
for it has a cunning
greater than they.
Stealing from their camps,
robbing their traps and defying
their bravest hunters.
They say he is a great,
gloriously-coated wolf.
Unlike all other wolves.
He sings the song
of the Yukon wolf...
...which is the song
of the pack."
- Thanks, Rene.
- You're welcome.
All right.
Oh, my gosh! For me?
I know she's a little small.
She's perfect.
What do you suppose Brittney and
Chloe are going to think of this?
Who cares what they think.
I have the perfect name
for her.
Oh?
Buttercup.
This was
the best trip ever.
I love you, Grandpa.
I love you, too.
Heel. Heel!
Good boy.
Good boy.
That's a good boy.
Like the beat of your heart
The flicker of flame
The feel of the wind
Or the blood in your veins
Like a river that runs
Cuts a hole right through
There's nothing to say
Gotta do whatcha gotta do
Like the cry of the wolf
Or the love of a child
Something deep in your soul
Like a burning desire
It's the call of the wild
Doesn't make much sense
How can I survive
with no defense?
But the call of the wild
If it speaks to you
You can live for today
'Cause you've got
something to prove
Like the voice from above
It only knows the truth
You can't turn away
You can barely move
There's a way to live free
There's a chance
to break through
When the call of the wild
Is answered by you
It's the call of the wild
Doesn't make much sense
But how can I survive
with no defense?
But the call of the wild
If it speaks to you
You can live for today
'Cause you got
something to prove
Ho!