This made-for-cable family film was inspired by the 1960s TV series of the same name. Following the (apparent) deaths of his parents, young Mark (
Reiley McClendon) goes to live with his sheriff uncle, Jack (
Dean Cain), in the North Woods. Here, Mark befriends a huge, but lovable, bear, whom he nicknames Ben. The rest of the film finds Mark and Jack joining forces to rescue the endangered Ben from a relentless poacher named Fog (
Corbin Bernsen). Filmed on location in Auburn and Foresthill, CA,
Gentle Ben debuted March 25, 2002, on the Animal Planet cable network. ~ All Movie Guide