kids encyclopedia robot

Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar
Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Winston Hibler
Produced by Walt Disney
Winston Hibler
Charles L. Draper
Written by Jack Speirs
Narrated by Rex Allen
Starring Ron Brown
Brian Russell
Linda Wallace
Jim Wilson
Clifford Peterson
Music by Franklyn Marks
Speirs Marks
Cinematography William Bacon III
Lloyd Beebe
Editing by Gregg McLaughlin
Studio Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by Buena Vista Distribution
Release date(s) October 19, 1967 (1967-10-19)
Running time 75 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar is an exciting adventure drama from 1967. It was made by Walt Disney Productions and directed by Winston Hibler. The movie first came out on October 19, 1967. It was shown alongside another famous Disney film, The Jungle Book.

Parts of Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar were filmed in Enumclaw, Washington, at the Weyerhauser Mill. Other scenes were shot near the North Fork of the Clearwater River in North Central Idaho. The movie even captured one of the very last river log drives in the United States! Four different cougars played the role of Charlie in the film.

The Story of Charlie

The film's story takes place in the beautiful Cascade Mountains of Washington.

Charlie's Early Life

Charlie was a tiny cougar cub when he lost his mom. Luckily, a kind man named Jess Bradley found him. Jess decided to take Charlie in and raise him like his own pet.

As Charlie grew, he had many adventures! He even played with a baby black bear. Charlie often visited his friend Potlatch at the nearby logging camp. Potlatch had a dog named Chainsaw, a feisty Smooth Fox Terrier. Chainsaw and Charlie didn't always get along. Their playful rivalry caused some funny messes, like a wrecked kitchen!

Adventures on the River

One time, Charlie ended up floating down the river with the logging crew. This caused more trouble, including another messy kitchen! The logging company lost money because of Charlie's antics. So, Charlie was tied up to keep him out of mischief.

Later, Charlie saw some workers having a log-rolling contest. He decided to join in! But Chainsaw distracted him, and Charlie fell into the water. The contest ended, and Jess had to keep Charlie at home.

Charlie's Wild Side

Jess eventually got engaged to his girlfriend. He had to put Charlie in a cage to keep him safe. But Charlie didn't stay caged for long! One night, he heard a female cougar calling from far away. Charlie broke free to find her. They had fun together, but Charlie soon moved on when she wouldn't share her food.

Charlie then found some cows at a farm. He tried to get a free meal, which caused a big commotion on the farm!

Finding His Way Home

Charlie got lost and spent the summer living in the wild. He hunted for his own food. One day, a pack of dogs started chasing him. Charlie escaped by riding a log down a water slide called a flume. He hit some bushes and ended up back at the logging camp.

After living in the wild, Charlie had become more wild himself. When Chainsaw found him, Charlie ran and got stuck in a lift. Some men were going to harm Charlie, but Jess arrived just in time! He rescued Charlie from the lift.

In the end, Jess knew Charlie belonged in the wild. He released Charlie into a special nature preserve. This preserve protects cougars and other wild animals from hunters and dogs. There, Charlie found the same female cougar he met before. They lived happily ever after, and Charlie became a beloved cougar around the world.

Meet the Cast

  • Ron Brown as Jess Bradley
  • Brian Russell as Potlatch
  • Chainsaw as Himself (the dog!)
  • Linda Wallace as Jess's Fiancee (she doesn't speak in the film)
  • Jim Wilson as Farmer
  • Lewis Sample as Chief Engineer
  • Clifford Peterson as Mill Manager
  • Edward C. Moller as Mill Hand
  • Rex Allen as Narrator (voice)
kids search engine
Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.