THE WHITE LIONS

US, 1981, 81 79 minutes, Colour.
Michael York, Glynnis O'Connor. Donald Moffat.
Directed by Mel Stuart.

The White Lions is an enjoyable African animal adventure in the vein of Born Free. It has excellent location photography, focuses on the African animals, especially the white lion cubs and their growth. Michael York portrays Chris Mc Bride, author of the book on which the film is based. Glynis O'Connor portrays his wife.

The story is familiar but is played well by the cast and is complemented by the photography.

1. For a family audience? For children?

2. Based on a true story? Information about Charles McBride? and his study on the white lions? A film about conservation? African animals and their protection?

3. American and African location photography? Atmosphere? Animals and wildlife?

4. Chris McBride? in America, his background in Africa, his research, classes, with the monkey? His plea for the grant? His aggressive tone? To Africa, at home, the animals, the family lifestyle and its seeming primitive, the humour, the tensions? Dangers and his walking with the animals? Intensity? Accidents? Delight in family life? Jean's tensions? Clashes? His daughter's illness, the crisis? Hunters? The completion of his work? The white lion and his achievement?

5. Jean and their daughter, wary about going, isolated, the bush house, her fears of the animals, walking with the lamps at night, the crocodile and the camera, the visitors, illness, her angers and frustrations? The daughter's delight in being in Africa and learning from her experience?

6. The sketch of the locals, the Africans, the patrolling of the properties, of the animals? The adviser and his friendship with Chris, their clash, Chris saving him?

7. The hunters and their plans?

8. The detail of animal life? The law of the jungle? Beautiful? Primitive?

9. The lions and the information? In the Born Free tradition?