This adaptation of Jack London's wilderness tale focuses on young Jack Conroy (Ethan Hawke), who has arrived in Alaska to search for a gold mine. When Jack encounters White Fang, a dog/wolf hybrid who has been cruelly treated by his owner, Beauty Smith he rescues the canine from the jaws of death during a fight with a fierce bulldog. Aided by his friend Alex Larson Jack nurses White Fang back to health, and the animal becomes a close companion to the men.