The Lion (1962)
A young girl's extraordinary friendship with a wild lion sets off a clash between the African wilderness and the pull of civilization in this 1962 adventure drama.
The Lion - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: Jack Cardiff
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Adventure
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 19, 1962 (United Kingdom), December 21, 1962 (United States), October 11, 1962 (Germany - 12)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
The Lion - Plot
Young Tina lives with her mother and stepfather on a wildlife reserve in Kenya. While her stepfather believes this is a wonderful environment for her to grow up in, her mother becomes increasingly concerned by her behaviour. These concerns are reinforced when it is revealed that her daughter's best friend in the whole world is a fully grown lion. Worried that her daughter may be turning into a savage, she sends for her former husband, Tina's biological father, in the hope that he can take her back to civilization (in this case rural Connecticut). But it seems as though Tina's mother wants something more than a civilized upbringing for her daughter.
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The Lion - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Cardiff
Main Cast
- William Holden
- Trevor Howard
- Capucine
- Pamela Franklin
Writers
- Irene Kamp
- Louis Kamp
Producers
- Samuel G. Engel
The Lion - FAQs
What is The Lion (1962) about?
The Lion follows young Tina, who grows up on a Kenyan wildlife reserve and forms an extraordinary bond with a fully grown lion as her closest companion. Her worried mother calls in Tina's biological father, hoping to coax her back to civilized life in Connecticut — but family tensions and hidden motives complicate everything.
Is The Lion based on a true story?
The Lion is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Joseph Kessel. While Kessel drew on his deep familiarity with Africa and its wildlife, the story is a work of fiction rather than a direct account of real events, though it carries an authentic feel for life on the Kenyan savanna.
Where can you stream or watch The Lion?
You can watch The Lion on fuboTV as part of a subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. That gives you plenty of flexible options whether you prefer streaming or a digital purchase.
Who stars in The Lion (1962)?
The film features William Holden as Robert Hayward, Tina's biological father; Trevor Howard as the rugged stepfather John Bullit; Capucine as Christine, Tina's mother; and a young Pamela Franklin in a memorable early role as Tina herself, the girl at the heart of the story.
Who directed The Lion and what is his background?
Jack Cardiff directed The Lion. Cardiff was one of cinema's most celebrated cinematographers before turning to directing — he won an Academy Award for his camera work on Black Narcissus (1947). His visual artistry is very much on display in The Lion's lush, sun-drenched Kenyan landscapes.
Where was The Lion (1962) filmed?
The Lion was filmed on location in Kenya, giving the production its striking authenticity. The sweeping savanna vistas and genuine wildlife encounters were captured by cinematographer Edward Scaife, whose work brings the African landscape vividly to life throughout the film.
What films are similar to The Lion (1962)?
If The Lion appeals to you, check out Born Free (1966), another deeply felt story of humans and lions in Africa, or Duma (2005) for a more contemporary take on a child's bond with a wild animal. Out of Africa (1985) and Roar (1981) also share the film's spirit of African adventure.
How long is The Lion and when was it released?
The Lion runs 96 minutes — a brisk, well-paced watch. It premiered in the United Kingdom on August 19, 1962, followed by a German release in October and a US theatrical debut on December 21, 1962, making it a holiday-season release for American audiences.
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