Set in Kenya in the 1960's, and based on factual events, the film is the story of how a young orphaned lion cub is rescued by a British colonial couple who run a wildlife sanctuary and then prepared for a return to the wild. The scenery is spectacular, and the thin dividing line between death and survival in the wild is palpable. But the film is not only about struggle, it is, in an almost unique way, a love story too; one between a woman and a lioness. Hugely popular when released, the film still has the power to move. An especially good movie for families.
54 Reviews
Great Story
sddavis6310 August 2002
This really is a wonderful movie - a true story; funny, dramatic, bittersweet, and with a title song that will never be forgotten by anyone who hears it.
Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers star as Joy and George Adamson. He is the game warden in a game reserve in northern Kenya; she is his wife, and together they adopt three orphaned lion cubs. Sending two of them to zoos, the third (Elsa, who was the darling of the bunch) stays behind and becomes something of a household pet, until the inevitable day comes when she has to be either taught to live in the wild on her own, or sent to a zoo.
You find yourself rooting for Elsa, shedding a few tears with Joy and in the end feeling quite uplifted by how the whole thing turns out. It's a fast movie (about an hour and a half in length) which is good, the editing I thought was a bit rough (although there are some great shots of Africa and its wild life) and in the end it's a great feel-good movie for the whole family.
8/10
Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers star as Joy and George Adamson. He is the game warden in a game reserve in northern Kenya; she is his wife, and together they adopt three orphaned lion cubs. Sending two of them to zoos, the third (Elsa, who was the darling of the bunch) stays behind and becomes something of a household pet, until the inevitable day comes when she has to be either taught to live in the wild on her own, or sent to a zoo.
You find yourself rooting for Elsa, shedding a few tears with Joy and in the end feeling quite uplifted by how the whole thing turns out. It's a fast movie (about an hour and a half in length) which is good, the editing I thought was a bit rough (although there are some great shots of Africa and its wild life) and in the end it's a great feel-good movie for the whole family.
8/10
What a wonderful way to teach children about the sanctity of wild life.
mark.waltz12 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
My parents obviously saw the need to teach my siblings I that lesson because when this film was in its post release and had a drive-in showing, we all got to go, and that was one of my earliest film-going experiences which remains with me almost 50 years later. It isn't only the sprawling beauty of Kenya or the joyous title song which to this day instills tears, but the love and kindness of the heroine Joy Adamson (the beautiful Virginia McKenna) who raises a lioness cub to adulthood with the help of her loving but concerned explorer husband (Bill Travers). George Adamson was forced to shoot the cub's parents when they charged at him and his party, but was caring enough to bring the three cubs back. The story starts with Joy finger-feeding the stubborn cubs milk and shows how the two stronger cubs followed Joy's favorite cub Elsa's lead and began drinking as well. This establishes Elsa as a true heroine among cats because her accepting milk from a human saved her sibling's lives.
When the curious cubs begin to get too big, Joy agrees that they must be taken to a zoo, but her love for Elsa forces George to keep this one behind. Elsa begins to think of the Adamsons as her parents, showering them with love and following them around more like a big dog than a big cat. But Elsa's natural instincts begin to take over and when finding herself in a herd of elephants, Elsa creates a stampede which infuriates the locales who demand that the Adamsons due something about the now too large adult lioness. Elsa though isn't trained to kill to eat, so in order to prepare her to be set free (Joy wouldn't hear about the zoo!), they take her to the wilds to find a mate and let her go. A truly funny scene has a very lazy male lion pretty much ignoring the affectionate Elsa as George and Joy watch (what, no privacy?) and later, Elsa gets literally into a cat-fight with another lioness over the king of beasts holding court on top of the African plane rocks.
This is a movie of triumphing over the impossible which shows how human love for God's other creatures can cause them to sometimes think more with their hearts then with their brains, and how they try to amend the situation. In many cases, it reminded me of "The Miracle Worker" with Joy replacing Annie Sullivan and Elsa replacing Helen Keller. Both Joy and Annie had truly difficult obstacles to overcome and Helen and Elsa had to learn in their own way and time what their teachers were trying to get through to them. You won't be able to hold your tears in for the final scene where you feel you literally can here the beloved Elsa saying "Thank You" to Joy as nature and the good side of humanity come together for one last visit.
When the curious cubs begin to get too big, Joy agrees that they must be taken to a zoo, but her love for Elsa forces George to keep this one behind. Elsa begins to think of the Adamsons as her parents, showering them with love and following them around more like a big dog than a big cat. But Elsa's natural instincts begin to take over and when finding herself in a herd of elephants, Elsa creates a stampede which infuriates the locales who demand that the Adamsons due something about the now too large adult lioness. Elsa though isn't trained to kill to eat, so in order to prepare her to be set free (Joy wouldn't hear about the zoo!), they take her to the wilds to find a mate and let her go. A truly funny scene has a very lazy male lion pretty much ignoring the affectionate Elsa as George and Joy watch (what, no privacy?) and later, Elsa gets literally into a cat-fight with another lioness over the king of beasts holding court on top of the African plane rocks.
This is a movie of triumphing over the impossible which shows how human love for God's other creatures can cause them to sometimes think more with their hearts then with their brains, and how they try to amend the situation. In many cases, it reminded me of "The Miracle Worker" with Joy replacing Annie Sullivan and Elsa replacing Helen Keller. Both Joy and Annie had truly difficult obstacles to overcome and Helen and Elsa had to learn in their own way and time what their teachers were trying to get through to them. You won't be able to hold your tears in for the final scene where you feel you literally can here the beloved Elsa saying "Thank You" to Joy as nature and the good side of humanity come together for one last visit.
Born Free
Smalling-213 April 2000
Joy Adamson and her husband, Kenya game warden George Adamson, bring up a lion cub Elsa, but later they have to teach her about the wild and free life she was born to.
Warm, good-looking but rather casually assembled screen version of a highly popular bestseller, with irresistible animal shots that made it enormously successful at the box-office - and over the years a family film "par excellence". It started a cycle then and was followed by the less successful "Living Free".
Warm, good-looking but rather casually assembled screen version of a highly popular bestseller, with irresistible animal shots that made it enormously successful at the box-office - and over the years a family film "par excellence". It started a cycle then and was followed by the less successful "Living Free".
A must for animal lovers
Wuchakk14 March 2014
"Born Free" (1965) is a great film for animal lovers, especially cat lovers. It tells the story of a couple living in Africa who come across three orphan lion cubs and keep one female, whom they name Elsa. Later they are pressured to give Elsa up to a zoo, but the woman can't because, as she argues, Elsa was born free and should therefore live free. She'd never be happy in a zoo.
Unfortunately, Elsa has become too tame as a result of living with the couple. Can Elsa ever adapt to the wild or will she be condemned to a cage in a zoo?
The footage of Elsa with the couple is amazing. She's like their pet cat! I'd love to have a lioness pet to hug and pat and walk around the yard with!
Shot in beautiful Kenya, the film runs 95 minutes.
GRADE: B+
Unfortunately, Elsa has become too tame as a result of living with the couple. Can Elsa ever adapt to the wild or will she be condemned to a cage in a zoo?
The footage of Elsa with the couple is amazing. She's like their pet cat! I'd love to have a lioness pet to hug and pat and walk around the yard with!
Shot in beautiful Kenya, the film runs 95 minutes.
GRADE: B+
If you don't love Elsa, there's something wrong with you!
xavrush8927 November 2003
Real-life husband and wife Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers play real-life husband and wife Joy and George Adamson. Strangely, the chemistry between them is really not played up here. Everything is focused on the cubs, perhaps as it should be. This film takes what could've just been another National Geographic episode and turns it into a "triumph of the spirit" story. When you watch this film, you understand the true meaning of freedom. And you can't help but look at that lion and want the best for her. The title song is a perfect ending to the film. It is too bad the Adamsons' lives did not have a happy ending like this story. The film keeps it simple, but there are still some emotional moments. It delivers what it promises.
Very good
preppy-327 December 2003
True life story. George and Joy Adamson (Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna) live in the wilderness in Kenya. In self defense, George kills a lion and his mate only to find they were protecting their three cubs. He and his wife decide to raise the cubs. They give two of them away to zoos, but can't part with Elsa, a lioness. But then they realize they can't keep her and don't want to put her in a zoo. Can they help her live in the wild?
I read the book "Born Free" when I was in grammar school in the 70s and loved it. I also vaguely remember seeing the movie on TV (and liking it) and the very short-lived (13 episodes) series in the early 70s. Also the song was a big hit in the mid 60s and again in the early 70s. But I had forgotten all about it until it popped up on TCM. I decided to tune in and loved it!
The movie was shot beautifully on location in Kenya (where it took place). Wide screen viewing is essential for this one. Also, Travers and McKenna were a real-life couple when they did this film (in fact they remained married until his death in 1994) and there devotion to each other comes through loud and clear. Also the lions (male and female) are SO cute when they're cubs and even beautiful as they get older. Elsa herself was portrayed by a number of different lionesses but you can't tell the difference. And Travers and McKenna worked with all the animals for 2 weeks before filming so they all interact together perfectly. This is perfect family viewing--adults will adore it as much as the kids.
I'm only giving it a 7 for a few reasons--there isn't much of a story and the film DOES drag a little. Also the cute little shots of the cubs get a little bit much. Yeah they are adorable, but it got to the point that I thought the filmmakers were purposely shoving them in our faces to get us to go "awwwwwwww"! A little bit too cute for my tastes.
Still it's a great film and the music in this one is fantastic (and Oscar-winning). Also I defy anyone not to cry during the final sequence--it even got to me and I'm the last person to cry at movies like this.
A very good family film. See it!
I read the book "Born Free" when I was in grammar school in the 70s and loved it. I also vaguely remember seeing the movie on TV (and liking it) and the very short-lived (13 episodes) series in the early 70s. Also the song was a big hit in the mid 60s and again in the early 70s. But I had forgotten all about it until it popped up on TCM. I decided to tune in and loved it!
The movie was shot beautifully on location in Kenya (where it took place). Wide screen viewing is essential for this one. Also, Travers and McKenna were a real-life couple when they did this film (in fact they remained married until his death in 1994) and there devotion to each other comes through loud and clear. Also the lions (male and female) are SO cute when they're cubs and even beautiful as they get older. Elsa herself was portrayed by a number of different lionesses but you can't tell the difference. And Travers and McKenna worked with all the animals for 2 weeks before filming so they all interact together perfectly. This is perfect family viewing--adults will adore it as much as the kids.
I'm only giving it a 7 for a few reasons--there isn't much of a story and the film DOES drag a little. Also the cute little shots of the cubs get a little bit much. Yeah they are adorable, but it got to the point that I thought the filmmakers were purposely shoving them in our faces to get us to go "awwwwwwww"! A little bit too cute for my tastes.
Still it's a great film and the music in this one is fantastic (and Oscar-winning). Also I defy anyone not to cry during the final sequence--it even got to me and I'm the last person to cry at movies like this.
A very good family film. See it!
A beautiful film
TheLittleSongbird14 April 2010
Even if the film does drag in spots, I cannot deny this film is beautiful, heart warming, charming touching and poignant. I also think it is one of the best animal films out there, very few animal films have touched me like Born Free has. Born Free is beautifully shot, with gorgeous African scenery(the film is based in Kenya) and stunning cinematography. The film is also brilliantly scored by the wonderful John Barry with a simply unforgettable title song, and the direction is surprisingly sensitive by James Hill.
The performances are also first-rate. Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers are both wonderful and bring real warmth to their roles while Geoffrey Keen is wonderful as the kindly commissioner. But there is no doubt in my mind that Elsa steals the show here, she is simply adorable and just melts my heart with her presence. And maybe it is just me but I can barely fight back my tears as she is reluctant to take her first steps back into the wild.
Overall, Born Free is quite simply a beautiful film. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The performances are also first-rate. Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers are both wonderful and bring real warmth to their roles while Geoffrey Keen is wonderful as the kindly commissioner. But there is no doubt in my mind that Elsa steals the show here, she is simply adorable and just melts my heart with her presence. And maybe it is just me but I can barely fight back my tears as she is reluctant to take her first steps back into the wild.
Overall, Born Free is quite simply a beautiful film. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Fascinating study of lioness born free...
dwpollar5 September 2007
1st watched 9/4/2007 - 7 out of 10(Dir-James Hill): Fascinating study of lioness born free, but domesticated; then being trained to survive again in the wild. This is a unique film in that it deals with some real issues about making a wild animal a pet and the effect on it because of that. The movie begins with an African game warden, played by Bill Travers, killing an adult lion that is attacking humans but leaves behind three pups. The game warden and his wife, played by Virginia McKenna, decide to take in the pups since they lost their parents and would eventually starve to death in the wild. They are finally able to get them to feed off of their homemade formula and grow, but when it comes time to release them back to the wild the wife's attachment to the smallest that she named Elsa, has grown and they decide to keep her. Elsa quickly becomes their pet and attaches herself to them, but they know eventually she'll have to leave. They avoid the issue of sending her to a zoo because they want Elsa to be free, but then they must take on the challenge of re-training her for the wild. This turns out to be harder than they expected and their trials with this becomes the subject of the rest of the movie. This is all very well done and helps us realize the difference between pets and animals living in the wild and shows us the respect we should have of the differences. There is a good balance of sentimentality with reality as this couple thinks hard about every decision it makes thinking not just for themselves but for Elsa. This a unique movie that can be enjoyed by persons of all ages and also teaches us some things that we rarely see on film.
innocence lost
Natheer24 June 2005
It's really hard now days to get the same feelings that this film brings to your soul, innocence, love, devotion, honesty. It's all rare commodities in the today's life in general. It's really hard now days to get the same feelings that this film brings to your soul, innocence, love, devotion, honesty. It's all rare commodities in the today's life in general. Virginia McKenna & Bill Travers are the perfect couples.
The film brings you the atmosphere of the great African wildlife on its last glorious days; I and my family enjoyed this film very much. It was a wonderful experience for my kids its represent the animal in a realistic and compassionate way not like the cg cartoons or other comic animal films of todays.
The film brings you the atmosphere of the great African wildlife on its last glorious days; I and my family enjoyed this film very much. It was a wonderful experience for my kids its represent the animal in a realistic and compassionate way not like the cg cartoons or other comic animal films of todays.
Great Heart warming movie
garyldibert29 March 2005
You always here the story or the expression that you can't take wild animals and try to them into pets. This movie tells and shows you why. The movie is based on a true story from a book by Joy Adamson. The movie is set back in the 1950 era when George Adamson who is the game warden for the Kenya area in Africa. While out on a routine run George has to kill a charging female lion in self defense. After George kills the lion he discovers that the lion was a mother as three lion cubs come out of no where. George takes the 3 cub's home because he knows that if he didn't the cubs will die. When the cubs get too much to handle they have to make the hardest decision of their life. Do they send the animals to the Rotterdam Zoo? Do they send all the cubs or do they keep one? To me the acting was great as Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna play George and Joy Adamson. As a side note McKenna also narrates the story as Joy voice-over, using the book. The real star of the show, though, is Elsa herself, actually played by three different lionesses. You can really see the genuine affection between the large cat and her caretakers as they interact. It is magical to watch. This movie would be great for you and your family because there's none of the following in this picture. There's really no violence, and there's no sex or any swearing for that matter. The entire movie was shot in Africa. If you can get the DVD the picture quality is as good as a movie that you would buy today. This review is based on my home addition of Born Free on DVD. You can get this DVD right here on Amazon.com and it by far better then the current VHS that's out there now. Based on the scenery alone I give this movie 7 weasel stars.
A Must See for Any Age Group.
BOOBEAR6619 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The story of Joy Adanson & Elsa is unlike any love story you will ever see. I seen this when I was young at camp, I was so upset that my mother had to pick me up. I never fully watched this movie until I was 21 & bought the VHS, just to say I had it in my collection. Well I finally seen the whole thing & although I have grown up, it still hit me hard. I think the part that hit me hardest was the thought they had to give her up. Being an animal lover, I'd give anything to be able to live outside in the wild with a pet lion like Joy did, or even a pet bear like Grizzly Adams. The quote that stayed with me has always been when Joy tells her husband George " She was born free & deserves to live free". Also note this movie has won awards in 1966 (same year I was born lol), also has an amazing song which till this day brings back tears if anyone plays it near me or family goofing & singing it. I felt happy when Elsa finally was able to hunt for herself & I cheered her on when she met her first male lion. I adored Georges game warden friend who always seem to get them time off to work with Elsa. Its a must see movie if your an animal lover. Also see the sequel "Living Free". Also this was my first book report lol.
Enjoyable true-life adventure.
jckruize27 October 2003
Esteemed producer Carl Foreman's name is on this modestly enjoyable family film, and his trademark attention to storytelling and production values ensure that this is a considerable cut above other such G-rated fare from the 60's. Based on Joy Adamson's bestselling book, it tells the true story of how the wife of a game warden in Kenya raises Elsa, an orphaned lion cub, then has to face the difficult task of training the adult lioness to return to the wild.
Pacing is stolid, the photography of authentic African locales impressive (with the exception of a couple of poorly-integrated stock shots of attacking lions), and John Barry's Oscar-winning score is memorable if a bit overblown. The acting by real-life spouses Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers is excellent. Interaction of the lion cubs, and later, the star feline Elsa, with the human actors is often remarkable. Recommended for kids over 8 and their parents, who won't be bored.
Pacing is stolid, the photography of authentic African locales impressive (with the exception of a couple of poorly-integrated stock shots of attacking lions), and John Barry's Oscar-winning score is memorable if a bit overblown. The acting by real-life spouses Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers is excellent. Interaction of the lion cubs, and later, the star feline Elsa, with the human actors is often remarkable. Recommended for kids over 8 and their parents, who won't be bored.
How awfully dull - and ennui-inspiring this plodder is.
me-759052 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Well, you'll probably know the whole story before viewing the film for the first time, these days, and yes it is a true yarn, give or take the odd liberty.
However, for a 1966 film, the film is around 30 odd years behind its time. Acting is so wooden, and amateurish. the script is frightfully dull, its oral expression clipped, and frightful and boring, and repetitive. Only the animals are natural performers here.
Read the book - it's better!
However, for a 1966 film, the film is around 30 odd years behind its time. Acting is so wooden, and amateurish. the script is frightfully dull, its oral expression clipped, and frightful and boring, and repetitive. Only the animals are natural performers here.
Read the book - it's better!
Feel good again
teutonyx22 July 2004
Innocence, the magnetism of the east African plains, and lions to boot! A great movie for a steamy summer night (atmosphere is important too). The score by John Barry is very good, and I imagine there are few 'boomers who would not recognize the strains of Matt Monro (not Perry Como) singing the title song. I always liked Bill Travers as an actor in all the roles I've seen him in, Born Free is no exception. Virginia McKenna's lovely soft soothing Scots brogue is honey to the ears, and she does a great job as Joy Adamson. How accurate their portrayals of the Adamson's are... well, it doesn't really matter. Elsa is the star, and that's how it should be. In short, great family fair for a movie at home.
A must for animal lovers
Leofwine_draca10 February 2014
BORN FREE tells the story of Joy and George Adamson, a married couple who raised a trio of lion cubs in Kenya before attempting to release one of them back into the wild. Much like many of these "nature" films of the '60s and '70s - many of them invariably starring Bill Travers - this is heartwarming and naturalistic, with a slim story built around raw footage of the animals playing.
The film is engaging and heartfelt, and many viewers will instantly fall in love with Elsa, the plucky young lioness who tries to adapt to life in the wild after being brought up by humans. Travers and McKenna are excellent as the human characters in the drama, but really, given the subject matter, this would have been a hard one to get wrong.
The film is engaging and heartfelt, and many viewers will instantly fall in love with Elsa, the plucky young lioness who tries to adapt to life in the wild after being brought up by humans. Travers and McKenna are excellent as the human characters in the drama, but really, given the subject matter, this would have been a hard one to get wrong.
I was 6, and this movie moved me.
mjcuracao20 April 2010
I have not seen this movie since guess 1984.
When I first saw it I was taken on a ride with emotion, because I love the wild, I was born in it!
The Movie is from 66, but I remember watching it more than 10 times!
If I would look at it now, my mind, my heart has been changed. Adults think they know everything because they are older and experienced. Tell young children they are weak and have so much to learn. All is true, but when you are young, things are much more clear, than adults give credit for.
I grew up from my 3rd month to seven years on the Great Island of Borneo, Sarawak Malaysia. My experience growing up with wild life, and nearly undamaged nature. Has always been the best blessing of my life.
Wondering off, and visit the local bush Indians, look and learn. The best thing these Malay Islanders showed me in life, is that I can be happy without money.
This movie in my time was a true great movie.
Looking back to review again? No, my memory, and my experience then counts!
9 points!
When I first saw it I was taken on a ride with emotion, because I love the wild, I was born in it!
The Movie is from 66, but I remember watching it more than 10 times!
If I would look at it now, my mind, my heart has been changed. Adults think they know everything because they are older and experienced. Tell young children they are weak and have so much to learn. All is true, but when you are young, things are much more clear, than adults give credit for.
I grew up from my 3rd month to seven years on the Great Island of Borneo, Sarawak Malaysia. My experience growing up with wild life, and nearly undamaged nature. Has always been the best blessing of my life.
Wondering off, and visit the local bush Indians, look and learn. The best thing these Malay Islanders showed me in life, is that I can be happy without money.
This movie in my time was a true great movie.
Looking back to review again? No, my memory, and my experience then counts!
9 points!
Heartwarming film for animal lovers...
Doylenf28 August 2006
But if you aren't an animal lover, this tale about a lion cub adopted by a game warden (BILL TRAVERS) and his wife (VIRGINIA McKENNA) might be too hard to digest. For anyone who has ever felt the pain of separation that comes from parting with a beloved pet, the film will win a special place in your heart.
Vistas of African scenery (filmed entirely on location) and the very effective, insinuating musical score of John Barry are added compensations for a well-acted story about the taming of a lovable lion cub, its eventual growing up into a lioness (called Elsa), and the separation that comes when Elsa must be set free to take her place among the wild animals.
The early scenes with the young cub (two other healthier cubs were sent to a zoo after the game warden had to kill the parents), are amusingly depicted and perhaps the most arresting part of the story. But the final scene is cloaked in the kind of sentimentality that has echoes of "Lassie Come Home" with Barry's score emphasizing a final reunion with Elsa before the "Born Free" theme hammers away at the emotions.
Summing up: A nature film that animal lovers will adore.
Vistas of African scenery (filmed entirely on location) and the very effective, insinuating musical score of John Barry are added compensations for a well-acted story about the taming of a lovable lion cub, its eventual growing up into a lioness (called Elsa), and the separation that comes when Elsa must be set free to take her place among the wild animals.
The early scenes with the young cub (two other healthier cubs were sent to a zoo after the game warden had to kill the parents), are amusingly depicted and perhaps the most arresting part of the story. But the final scene is cloaked in the kind of sentimentality that has echoes of "Lassie Come Home" with Barry's score emphasizing a final reunion with Elsa before the "Born Free" theme hammers away at the emotions.
Summing up: A nature film that animal lovers will adore.
Superbly Filmed and Acted! Very Moving Movie and Amazing Song!
jbartelone20 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Born Fee may be the greatest and most beautiful animal film ever created! It is the true story of Elsa, the lioness whom a Kenyan couple, George and Joy Adamson, raise as a cub, take in as a pet, when George is forced to shoot Elsa's Mother in self defense as she charges at him. Shortly afterword, George leans that the reason why the Mother lioness tried to attack him, she was protecting her cubs.
The Adamson's take in the entire liter of three cubs and grow very attached to them. When the cubs are on the screen, the emotional bond that the viewer feels is unforgettably blended with the beautiful backdrop of Africa scenery. Filmed in Kenya, where the real story happened, the Cinematography and music are spell-bounding! You really feel drawn into the lives of the couple and the lion cubs, and especially Elsa! Joy becomes most attached to Elsa, the smallest of the liter. When the other cubs become too difficult to manage, in a heartbreaking scene, they are sent to a zoo. George and Joy decide to keep Elsa. However, as she matures, the couple's friends and villagers become concerned, because Elsa has been frightening off villagers and livestock. The couple are dedicated and determined that Elsa would never be happy in a zoo or any other captivity environment, as Joy through tears says, "She was born free, she deserves to live free!" The couple than must do what has never been done before. Take Elsa from a domesticated pet and train her how to be wild. They spend hours, months, teaching her how to hunt, deal with conflict, and courtship. This film tags at the heartstrings big time, because there are scenes where she chases the truck after they are forced to leave her alone for the first time and she starts chasing the truck. Or the heartbreaking scene where she comes back to George and Joy's camp starving or hurt because she hasn't yet learned how to take care and hunt for herself.
Finally, after Elsa kills a warthog, the Adamson's learn that she can be on her own. The movie ends with George and Joy reuniting with Elsa and her own family of cubs in a beautiful mountainous, hillside view, with the unforgettable title tune by Matt Monro that will send emotional chills up your spine and bring tears to your eyes. This is a landmark film that is flawless! A beautiful film for families and children to learn about the importance of kindness to animals and the difficulty that it can take making a wild animal into a domestic pet.
Tragically, the real Elsa only lived about five years. She died of what appeared to be a severe tick disease similar to what is called "animal malaria." The work of Joy and George Adamson's devotion to protecting and preserving animal life remained for many years after Born Free. They showed that animals were just as important to be card for and loved as humans and that human contact and compassion with them can create a bond, lasting a lifetime.
However, in 1980, Joy Adamson who was known to be very forceful and demanding with her camp staff, was tragically found stabbed to death near her camp. Originally, authorities belied that she had been mauled by a lion, but the autopsy reports showed that her wounds were not consistent with an animal attack. The story is that a disgruntled worker, alleged that Joy had not paid him for two weeks, and they got into a fight. He alleges that Joy shot at him but no evidence has surfaced to support this. Angered over not being paid, he stabbed her to death and was sentenced to life in prison, escaping the death penalty by hanging,since Joy's attacker's age could not be proved, the judge sentenced him to life in prison.
George Adamson suffered a similar tragic fate when in 1989 he was shot to death by poachers who were attacking a tourist who had been visiting him. George was able to save the life of the tourist, in an incredible heroic effort for an over 80 year old man! However, George himself did not survive the shooting. In news that shattered hearts around the world, both he and Joy died terrible, painful, and senseless deaths.
However, their love and devotion to animal preservation and support was so internationally impacted, that many wildlife preservation societies today are a result of their work. Film stars Virgina McKernna and Bill Travers, the real-life British couple (the real life Adamson's were not British) who portrayed the Adamson's in the movie helped establish the Born Free Preservation Society in 1984. Working with the Adamson's on the set of Born Free so moved Virgina and Bill that they continued to work with helping wild animals. Bill did it for the remainder of his life and Virgina is still active in wildlife preservation to this day.
Born Free, is a movie, an experience, and a song, that will move you for the rest of your life!
The Adamson's take in the entire liter of three cubs and grow very attached to them. When the cubs are on the screen, the emotional bond that the viewer feels is unforgettably blended with the beautiful backdrop of Africa scenery. Filmed in Kenya, where the real story happened, the Cinematography and music are spell-bounding! You really feel drawn into the lives of the couple and the lion cubs, and especially Elsa! Joy becomes most attached to Elsa, the smallest of the liter. When the other cubs become too difficult to manage, in a heartbreaking scene, they are sent to a zoo. George and Joy decide to keep Elsa. However, as she matures, the couple's friends and villagers become concerned, because Elsa has been frightening off villagers and livestock. The couple are dedicated and determined that Elsa would never be happy in a zoo or any other captivity environment, as Joy through tears says, "She was born free, she deserves to live free!" The couple than must do what has never been done before. Take Elsa from a domesticated pet and train her how to be wild. They spend hours, months, teaching her how to hunt, deal with conflict, and courtship. This film tags at the heartstrings big time, because there are scenes where she chases the truck after they are forced to leave her alone for the first time and she starts chasing the truck. Or the heartbreaking scene where she comes back to George and Joy's camp starving or hurt because she hasn't yet learned how to take care and hunt for herself.
Finally, after Elsa kills a warthog, the Adamson's learn that she can be on her own. The movie ends with George and Joy reuniting with Elsa and her own family of cubs in a beautiful mountainous, hillside view, with the unforgettable title tune by Matt Monro that will send emotional chills up your spine and bring tears to your eyes. This is a landmark film that is flawless! A beautiful film for families and children to learn about the importance of kindness to animals and the difficulty that it can take making a wild animal into a domestic pet.
Tragically, the real Elsa only lived about five years. She died of what appeared to be a severe tick disease similar to what is called "animal malaria." The work of Joy and George Adamson's devotion to protecting and preserving animal life remained for many years after Born Free. They showed that animals were just as important to be card for and loved as humans and that human contact and compassion with them can create a bond, lasting a lifetime.
However, in 1980, Joy Adamson who was known to be very forceful and demanding with her camp staff, was tragically found stabbed to death near her camp. Originally, authorities belied that she had been mauled by a lion, but the autopsy reports showed that her wounds were not consistent with an animal attack. The story is that a disgruntled worker, alleged that Joy had not paid him for two weeks, and they got into a fight. He alleges that Joy shot at him but no evidence has surfaced to support this. Angered over not being paid, he stabbed her to death and was sentenced to life in prison, escaping the death penalty by hanging,since Joy's attacker's age could not be proved, the judge sentenced him to life in prison.
George Adamson suffered a similar tragic fate when in 1989 he was shot to death by poachers who were attacking a tourist who had been visiting him. George was able to save the life of the tourist, in an incredible heroic effort for an over 80 year old man! However, George himself did not survive the shooting. In news that shattered hearts around the world, both he and Joy died terrible, painful, and senseless deaths.
However, their love and devotion to animal preservation and support was so internationally impacted, that many wildlife preservation societies today are a result of their work. Film stars Virgina McKernna and Bill Travers, the real-life British couple (the real life Adamson's were not British) who portrayed the Adamson's in the movie helped establish the Born Free Preservation Society in 1984. Working with the Adamson's on the set of Born Free so moved Virgina and Bill that they continued to work with helping wild animals. Bill did it for the remainder of his life and Virgina is still active in wildlife preservation to this day.
Born Free, is a movie, an experience, and a song, that will move you for the rest of your life!
The Lion King of the 1960's
ironhorse_iv27 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Be born free to watch this movie, probably more well-known for its music than the movie itself. It Composer John Barry would win "Best Original Score" and "Title Song" in 1966 Oscar for this film. It was just that great of a song. The theme song has this epic western style to it to the point; it can be mistaken for a Western theme song, if the viewer heard the song first, than seeing the movie. At first glance, first time viewers might think of this as National Geo special documentary, but it's more than that. 'Born Free' is the true story based on the book 'Born Free', directed by James Hill, a Game Hunter George Adamson (Bill Travers) known to the natives as 'Baba ya Simba' which means 'Father of Lions" in Swahili and his wife (Virginia McKenna) living in Africa, was forced to kill a man-eating lion. It becomes clear that they would have to adopt his children for the young cubs to stay alive. Two of the cubs are sent to zoos around the world, and the other Elsa became their house pet. It wasn't until Elsa became a full –grown lioness, that the Adamson realize that they must do what is right for them, and set her free to learn to survive on its own by training her, but she might be too tame to live on her own. The movie has its charm, and was made with lot of love toward animals, to the point, you feel sad was animal characters like Pattie because they are brought up as family members to the Adamson. Funny moments like the Adamson trying to get Elsa a date and a warthog beating up a lion was a laugh. The first part of the movie, the opening might be a little bit disturbing for younger viewers due to it dealing with deaths of both human and animal. The rest of the movie is a coming to age story for the lion Elsa and PG clearly is the right rated for the film. The movie tries to have a sum-plot focusing on George's illness with malaria, hunters/poachers, an elephant stampede and rogue lions. The animal trainers were very good, and the way the animal act in the film is clearly brilliant
both in a playfulness matter, and in scenes of great danger. Many hard hours of animal training went to creating this short beautiful film. The movie was follow up with 'Live Free', a sequel to the book and movie that reveals more about Elisa's life in the wild. The movie leaves its viewers of a happy ending, which sadly didn't pan out for both the Adamson and Elsa in real life, but it does make the film watchable
and lives the audience wanting to learn more about big cats and Africa itself.
One of the most Important Films in History
Sintelin25 February 2006
While thoroughly entertaining for audiences of all ages, this mostly accurate true story has the distinction of being one of the most important films ever released. Why you say? Until the publication of the Adamson Born Free trilogy of books (Born Free, Living Free and Forever Free) lions, and most wild animals, were considered in the human consciousness in one way - dangerous. This franchise of books and movies, most especially the widely viewed Born Free film, changed all of that throughout the entire world. The Adamsons, both in real life and as depicted so expertly by real life husband and wife actors Travers and McKenna (who actually spent as much time with their actor lions as the Adamsons had with Elsa and family had) demonstrated that a wild animal, Elsa, could be emotional and full of love for her caretakers. Having personally raised an African lion for more than a decade (not to mention countless other wild animals) I can attest to this being so. But more importantly Born free showed the world this was so. As an impressionable pre-teen when this film was initially released, I can recall the impact it had on all of those my age and their parents as well. That change in attitude continued to grow and the development of insightful studies via National Geo, Discovery Channel, et. al, has assisted mightily in helping protect animals. I'm afraid, without Born Free we would have succeeded in eradicating all free roaming wildlife, thank goodness that at least some remain! While Born Free accomplished this change in mankind's perspective, there are true heroes who have dedicated their lives to protecting animals in whatever manner they may. Perhaps the greatest of these protectors is world renowned Jane Goodall, who has been studying and communicating with the world on wild chimpanzees since the release of Born free in 1960 or so! People fret that the youth have no role models, they are out there folks, and visible, just need to direct these impressionable minds to the right people like Jane Goodall.
not bad but not accurate
Pinbison13 February 2005
I grew up in Kenya, and have been to Elsamere (their educational camp) several times, and have seen this movie several times. When I was a kid, I loved this movie, but as I have grown older and learnt more about Joy Adamson, I have found that the depiction of her character is not at all consistent with the woman she was. Frankly she was a cruel colonial type who treated animals better than people. She was awfully mean to her house help, and frequently abused them, and on occasion shot at one or two of them for not obeying her the way she demanded. Unfortunately this led to retaliation that led to her death.
Nevertheless the film is not that bad...sentimental and cutesy!
Nevertheless the film is not that bad...sentimental and cutesy!
Quality family entertainment -- as long as you actually like wildlife.
Pedro_H13 November 2005
An English couple living in Kenya try to reintroduce an orphan lion cub back in to the wild. Based on a real story.
Family movies get a bad rap because they are usually films that only children enjoy and adults can bare only when drunk. Born Free is the kind of movie that can play well to both adults and children -- if they are the type that like wildlife.
You should never act with children or animals because they steal every scene they are in. Born Free features two very fine performances from real life couple Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers -- but when the cubs are on screen you won't be looking elsewhere.
I have read the book which I loved and well worth checking out because it is NOT a novelisation of this film -- Joyce Adamson (whose early life the script is based on) was not the angel of virtue she is portrayed here. She was a tough woman who made enemies and ruffled feathers. Her early death is another story and another film.
The problem with the film is that it has enough syrup in it without the extra sugar that is the title song. Also the real couple had personal problems that this film doesn't really want to deal with. From the nature of the film we know the final happy reel and are merely travelling towards it.
There aren't many films you can enjoy two or three times over and even get a bit emotional over -- but this is one such film. One for the DVD collection of all animal lovers. If you are the sort that doesn't subscribe to the Discovery Channel than you are better staying away.
Family movies get a bad rap because they are usually films that only children enjoy and adults can bare only when drunk. Born Free is the kind of movie that can play well to both adults and children -- if they are the type that like wildlife.
You should never act with children or animals because they steal every scene they are in. Born Free features two very fine performances from real life couple Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers -- but when the cubs are on screen you won't be looking elsewhere.
I have read the book which I loved and well worth checking out because it is NOT a novelisation of this film -- Joyce Adamson (whose early life the script is based on) was not the angel of virtue she is portrayed here. She was a tough woman who made enemies and ruffled feathers. Her early death is another story and another film.
The problem with the film is that it has enough syrup in it without the extra sugar that is the title song. Also the real couple had personal problems that this film doesn't really want to deal with. From the nature of the film we know the final happy reel and are merely travelling towards it.
There aren't many films you can enjoy two or three times over and even get a bit emotional over -- but this is one such film. One for the DVD collection of all animal lovers. If you are the sort that doesn't subscribe to the Discovery Channel than you are better staying away.
Yes, Virginia, Adorable Lion Cubs Do Eventually Grow Up
frankwiener22 December 2019
I love this film for the ample opportunity it gives me to observe these beautiful lions and for the profound message that it conveys, not only regarding the respect that wildlife deserves from us humans but the most fundamental reality of survival on this planet. This lesson in survival applies to humans as well as other species, including these magnificent lions. While I love watching the lions in their native habitat, something that I will most likely never have the opportunity to experience personally, I am struck by the startling connection of my own life to Elsa's. On this most recent viewing, by Elsa's example I suddenly realized how ill prepared I was for my own survival on this earth. It was a shocking revelation and totally unexpected. As it turns out, Elsa serves as a very attractive, even lovable, symbol of the harsh brutality of life on this deceptively beautiful planet. Suddenly orphaned, she is taken into the warm, caring arms of her human protectors until it's time for her to fend for herself. I am heartbroken as I watch her futilely chasing the Adamsons' Land Rover because I know that there is no way back for her to their loving, nurturing world. Yes, I, a man of 70, cried when I witnessed this agonizing scene. The focus of this movie is the ability of Elsa to make it on her own. How many of us haven't been faced with the very same challenge when we were released into the wild, alone and friendless? Who among us can't personally relate to Elsa's extremely painful, lonely predicament as she is forced to survive in this cold, unpitying world on her own?
From the very start, the beautiful theme song by the brilliant John Barry, who composed more memorable movie scores than I could ever list here, should inspire us to see more. After more than fifty years, this iconic song, which, to me, so perfectly captures the power of freedom itself, has withstood the test of time. Matt Monro, whose golden, baritone voice I have sometimes mistaken for that of Sammy Davis Jr., sings it superbly as the film ends. Imagine Carl Foreman's removal of the song from the original British release of the film until he finally came to his senses. Taste in music, like movies, is very subjective. As Mom used to say so tactfully, "if we all liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world." Had I only learned her gracious art of subtlety and diplomacy.
What also impresses me is how dedicated Joy and George Adamson were to Elsa and her siblings from the very beginning of their adventure. Their steadfast patience should set an example for all of us as we relate to other species of the world, beginning with our own dogs and cats. I am very sorry to read of how the lives of such compassionate people ended so violently. As we learn from an irresistibly charming Elsa, this can indeed be a very unforgiving, unpredictable world.
From the very start, the beautiful theme song by the brilliant John Barry, who composed more memorable movie scores than I could ever list here, should inspire us to see more. After more than fifty years, this iconic song, which, to me, so perfectly captures the power of freedom itself, has withstood the test of time. Matt Monro, whose golden, baritone voice I have sometimes mistaken for that of Sammy Davis Jr., sings it superbly as the film ends. Imagine Carl Foreman's removal of the song from the original British release of the film until he finally came to his senses. Taste in music, like movies, is very subjective. As Mom used to say so tactfully, "if we all liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world." Had I only learned her gracious art of subtlety and diplomacy.
What also impresses me is how dedicated Joy and George Adamson were to Elsa and her siblings from the very beginning of their adventure. Their steadfast patience should set an example for all of us as we relate to other species of the world, beginning with our own dogs and cats. I am very sorry to read of how the lives of such compassionate people ended so violently. As we learn from an irresistibly charming Elsa, this can indeed be a very unforgiving, unpredictable world.
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