It's 1935 Chicago. Sol Gann (Ray Wise) is struggling to find work. There's a job in Washington state but he has to leave behind his daughter Natty (Meredith Salenger). He leaves her in the care of the bossy Connie who runs the hotel they're living in. The plan is for him to send her money to take a later train. When Natty gets into trouble with the police, Connie tries to leave her to the authorities and she runs away. She rides the rails and rescued by Harry (John Cusack). While at a dog fight, she helps release a wolf. She survives a train wreck and is stranded in the wilderness. She befriends the wolf as the two journey across the land. Sol loses hope when he's told that they found her wallet in the train wreck. On the journey, she joins up with a gang of youth and reconnects with Harry.
The only minor complaint is that the girl is suppose to be 12 and Salenger was probably 14 at the time. It's a close call but they may as well make the character 14 anyways. She looks older than 12 and it would also allow for her to be safely in puppy love with Harry. She's too nicely kept for somebody always on the road. It's a nice traditional light sentimental story. Salenger is compelling as the lead and it's a fine doggy movie.
The only minor complaint is that the girl is suppose to be 12 and Salenger was probably 14 at the time. It's a close call but they may as well make the character 14 anyways. She looks older than 12 and it would also allow for her to be safely in puppy love with Harry. She's too nicely kept for somebody always on the road. It's a nice traditional light sentimental story. Salenger is compelling as the lead and it's a fine doggy movie.