Epilogue
With Sheriff Johnny France about to leave office, the other leading characters in the mountain men saga are embarked on new paths.
John Onstad is no longer Gallatin County sheriff. He has moved to Whitehall, Mont., where he sells insurance.
Kari Swenson has postponed biathlon competition and attends veterinary school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Although she never gave an interview to the press about her ordeal, Swenson sold her story to NBC for a “Movie of the Week.”
Her mother, Jan Swenson, said much of the background for the $2-million production filmed in Colorado came from her journals. John Onstad’s character, played by Joe Don Baker, is the film’s hero. Jan Swenson said she is also writing a book, but so far has not been able to sell her version.
As for the amount of money NBC paid the victim for her story, Jan Swenson said: “That is a private matter between NBC and Kari.”
Swenson said her daughter will probably do some skiing scenes in the movie.
In the land of the Big Sky, video art imitates life.
Only good movies
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