The Lion

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. Capucines current husband, Howard, a game warden, is skeptical about the wisdom of Holdens coming and doesnt mask his jealousy well. When an old tribal chieftain is left to die at the mercy of the elements (the custom of that tribe), Holden cant bear it and saves the grateful old mans life. The chieftain returns to the tribe and tells his son, Paul Oduor, that he wont relinquish the title. (Oduor has wanted to take over the helm and claim 11-year-old Franklin as his bride.) The old man says that his son will never be a man until he has killed a lion, so Oduor chooses Franklins pet as his prey. Franklin is aghast and orders Zamba to kill the prince. Now Howard has to kill the lion. Franklin, who never really knew her father, Holden, is brought closer to him when she sees Howard destroy Zamba. Howard has by now noted the reviving attraction between Holden and Capucine and gives his assent for them to return to the US and take Franklin with them. (Verleiher-Text)