The Lion

THE LION was not exceptionally fascinating, but it had advantages over some of the jungle pictures made afterwards. First, there was a real story to go with the lush flora and fauna. Second, it had some fine acting by all concerned. Holden is an American lawyer summoned to Africa by his ex-wife, Capucine, who fears that their young daughter, Franklin, has become overly fond of the jungle and too attached to Zamba, a lion the girl has helped raise from birth. Capucine's current husband, Howard, a game warden, is skeptical about the wisdom of Holden's coming and doesn't mask his jealousy well. When an old tribal chieftain is left to die at the mercy of the elements (...