Der König der Wildnis

A cowboy grows fond enough of a wild horse he captured to steal him from a cruel rodeo showman to whom his former workmates sold it. A modern-day western which strangely tries to hide all evidence of the fact it's set in mid-'50s America. It's a slight but enjoyable tale bolstered by Steve Cochran - who's given a rare chance to play a good guy for once - in the lead. Unfortunately, as with many films about the friendship between a human and a wild animal, the feel-good factor is diminished somewhat by the fact that the human had to first break the animal's spirit in order to befriend him.

This movie ranks among movies like Lassie, Smoky, National Velvet & The Black Stallion. This tear jerker story is about a man & his horse & the wonderful bond they had. Unfortunately it has never been released on video & I have not found it on TV, Cable or Satellite since I was a kid. At least not since the invention of VCR's. I have many fond memories of this film.

Wild horse training cowboy Steve Cochran (as Ben Kirby) wants to keep a beautiful black stallion for himself, but the animal is sold to a rodeo showman. He finds "Wildfire" being abused by owner Ray Teal (as Dave Tracy), who won't sell. After leaving a refused $600 payment for the horse, Mr. Cochran sets him free. Later, Cochran trains Wildfire while working for Utah rancher Harry Antrim (as Cas Bagley) and bonding with his cute pigtailed granddaughter Sherry Jackson (as Jenny). The family-friendly trio is threatened by a nasty lion and the return of Wildfire's angry owner... There are some spotty production values, but "The Lion and the Horse" gives you a great look at Cochran in an appealing leading role.

****** The Lion and the Horse (5/17/52) Louis King ~ Steve Cochran, Sherry Jackson, Ray Teal, Harry Antrim

It's good to see Steve Cochran smiling in a movie! You can now get this move on YouTube.

This is a great and touching movie for all age groups that like horses or great westerns. This was made when there was great pride in picture taking without a lot of violence and bad language with a great story and a very happy ending.