Born Free (1966)
The true story of a lioness raised by humans in Kenya — and the courageous fight to set her free.
Born Free - Movie Information
- Original Title: Born Free
- Release Year: 1966
- Directed by: James Hill, Tom McGowan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Family, Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 14, 1966 (United Kingdom - U), June 22, 1966 (United States), July 29, 1966 (Italy - T), February 1, 1967 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Vivre libre (FR), Родена свободна (BG)
- Production Companies: High Road, Open Road Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Born Free - Plot
At a national park in Kenya, English game warden George Adamson and his wife, Joy, care for three orphaned lion cubs. After the two larger lions are shipped off to a zoo in the Netherlands, the smallest of the three, Elsa, stays with the couple. When Elsa is blamed for causing an elephant stampede in the nearby village, head warden John Kendall demands the young lion either be trained to survive in the wilds of the Serengeti or be sent to a zoo.
Born Free - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this timeless classic set in the Kenyan wilderness:
From The Pages Of The Beloved Best Seller... A Motion Picture To Delight All The World!
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Born Free - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Hill
- Tom McGowan
Main Cast
- Virginia McKenna
- Bill Travers
- Geoffrey Keen
- Peter Lukoye
- Omar Chambati
- Bill Godden
- Robert S. Young
- Bryan Epsom
- Geoffrey Best
- Robert Cheetham
Writers
- Lester Cole
Producers
- Paul B. Radin
- Sam Jaffe
Born Free - FAQs
What is Born Free about?
Born Free follows English game warden George Adamson and his wife Joy as they raise Elsa, an orphaned lion cub in Kenya's wilderness. When Elsa grows too large and is blamed for a village incident, the couple must choose between sending her to a zoo or teaching her to survive on her own in the Serengeti.
Is Born Free based on a true story?
Yes, Born Free is based on Joy Adamson's real-life memoir of the same name, published in 1960. Joy and her husband George Adamson genuinely raised a lioness named Elsa in Kenya and worked to rehabilitate her into the wild — a remarkable true story that captured hearts worldwide.
Where can you stream Born Free?
You can watch Born Free on FlixFling or TCM with a subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch free with ads on The Roku Channel and YouTube Free.
Did Elsa the lioness really live with the Adamsons?
Absolutely. Elsa was a real lioness raised from a cub by Joy and George Adamson in Kenya. She became one of the first wild animals successfully rehabilitated and released back into nature. Elsa's story inspired not just the film but also a broader global conversation about wildlife conservation and animal rights.
Who are the main actors in Born Free?
Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers lead the cast as Joy and George Adamson — and they were actually a real-life married couple, which brings an authentic warmth to their on-screen relationship. Geoffrey Keen plays head warden Kendall, with Peter Lukoye and Omar Chambati rounding out the supporting cast.
Did Born Free win any Academy Awards?
Born Free won two Academy Awards at the 1967 ceremony: Best Original Score for John Barry's iconic music and Best Original Song for the title track. The theme song became one of the most recognizable pieces of film music from the 1960s and remains beloved to this day.
Is Born Free suitable for children and families?
Born Free is a wonderful family film. While it carries emotional weight — particularly around themes of freedom, loss, and the bond between humans and animals — it's gentle enough for younger viewers. The stunning Kenyan landscapes and the story of Elsa the lioness make it a genuinely enriching watch for all ages.
Where was Born Free filmed?
Born Free was filmed on location in Kenya, capturing the authentic landscapes of East Africa. The production team shot across various regions including areas near the Serengeti, bringing a vivid, documentary-like realism to the story. Cinematographer Kenneth Talbot's work beautifully showcases the sweeping African wilderness.
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