How Harry and the Hendersons Taught Us to Meet the Mysterious with Compassion

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As a lifelong fan of heartwarming family comedies and a devoted follower of Bigfoot lore, I must say that “Harry and the Hendersons” (now streaming on Peacock) has left an indelible mark on my cinematic journey. This 1987 gem, with its picturesque Pacific Northwest backdrop and a cast led by the inimitable John Lithgow, is not just another family film; it’s a poignant tale of understanding, empathy, and the true meaning of family that transcends species boundaries.

In the 1987 movie “Harry and the Hendersons,” currently available on Peacock, John Lithgow plays George Henderson, a man whose family forms an extraordinary connection with a creature from cryptozoology. The Hendersons have recently returned from a weekend in nature and are traveling home in a wood-paneled station wagon. The weather is pleasant, the scenery picturesque, and the sunlight dances through the trees occasionally causing brief, blinding flashes as it filters through.

While traversing the twisting forest path, George, overly confident and preoccupied with distractions, encounters a fox here and there but a larger surprise awaits him – a young bear cub. However, as fate would have it, George’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he collides headlong into the very essence of nature he was trying to avoid.

Initially, they might have assumed it was a bear or even a gorilla, though that would be unusual in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. However, what they stumbled upon turned out to be far more unexpected. Upon getting closer to the furry mound on the road, George made an astonishing discovery – a sasquatch, a bigfoot, a wildman, whom they later named Harry.

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Harry and the Hendersons dared to ask, “What if Bigfoot was a person?”

Initially, finding Harry and his seemingly deceased body (Harry is merely unconscious) presents both a prospect and an annoyance. The vehicle is damaged, and Harry reeks terribly. They secure his body on the car’s roof and return home not due to compassion or curiosity but because George believes they could profit from the situation. He solely considers Harry’s worth and what he might personally gain from their discovery. When George says that Harry offers a pathway to a superior life, his wife Nancy wisely questions, “A better life for whom? What about his life?

In a state of understandable fear and bewilderment, Harry encounters the Henderson family with what seems like hostility when he eventually awakens within their suburban dwelling later on. After causing significant destruction to the residence, George points his rifle at Harry, but hesitates to shoot. At the crucial instant, he notices a unique quality in Harry’s gaze.

Throughout the movie, the Hendersons undergo a significant change in their attitudes towards Harry. Initially, they desire his demise, then wish for him to perform as a sideshow act, and later invite him to join their family. However, at a crucial juncture, they comprehend that he cannot reside with them permanently. Their affection for Harry matures, leading them to understand that their wishes must yield to what is beneficial for him. Furthermore, they acknowledge that Harry should be the one making decisions about his own life.

“We are talking about a living, breathing being. It might even be some kind of a person.” – Melinda Dillon as Nancy Henderson

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Across different versions, King Kong generally conveys a similar tale about the excessive exploitation of nature. In Peter Jackson’s 2005 rendition, the filmmaker Carl Denham (portrayed by Jack Black) stumbles upon an extraordinary ape on the enigmatic Skull Island. Fascinated by the wonders of nature, Denham, like some people, devises a means to cage this discovery and charge for the privilege of viewing it. Kong’s story ends tragically, but Harry’s tale has a more positive outcome, which was groundbreaking in its own right.

In most fictional films, Bigfoot made its debut on screen for the first time is predominantly found in documentaries or horror movies, rather than actual footage of cryptids. Some of Sasquatch’s earliest movie roles can be traced back to horror productions such as “The Legend of Boggy Creek” from 1972, “Shriek of the Mutilated” (1974), and “Creature from Black Lake” (1976). Rarely does Bigfoot appear in a fictional tale in any other role besides that of a villain.

The movie “Harry and the Hendersons” is similar to many other family films in terms of its moral message, humor, and adventure. However, what sets it apart is that it was one of the first to portray Bigfoot as something more than a monster on screen. Instead, it presented the Pacific Northwest forests not as ominous and dangerous territories inhabited by a menacing ape-man, but as an idyllic Eden, untouched at the edge of civilization. In this sanctuary, the kind sasquatches live harmoniously, and they’ll continue to do so if we respect their habitat. Since, when we overexploit nature, we not only harm the environment but also degrade ourselves.

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2024-11-20 00:01