
The Lad and the Lion 1917
"Edgar Rice Burroughs' latest and most popular romance - with love triumphant"
The Lad and the Lion (1917) is a silent adventure film directed by Alfred E. Green, weaving a tale of survival and unexpected companionship set against the untamed heart of Africa.
Director: Alfred E. Green
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Lad and the Lion (1917) about?
The Lad and the Lion follows William Bankinton, a college student who survives a shipwreck only to be stranded with a lion and a stowaway named Broot. After Broot's tragic end, Bankinton and the lion are left to fend for themselves in the African wilderness, where they adapt to a primitive existence and form an unlikely bond.
Who directed The Lad and the Lion?
Alfred E. Green directed The Lad and the Lion. Known for his work in silent films, Green crafted a visually rich adventure that emphasizes atmosphere and emotional storytelling.
Who stars in The Lad and the Lion?
The Lad and the Lion stars Vivian Reed, Will Machin, Charles Le Moyne, Al W. Filson, and Cecil Holland in key roles.
Is The Lad and the Lion (1917) worth watching?
As an early silent adventure film based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' work, The Lad and the Lion offers a unique blend of survival drama, romance, and primal storytelling. While its age may limit some modern expectations, its themes of resilience and companionship remain engaging for fans of classic cinema and adventure narratives.
How long is The Lad and the Lion?
The Lad and the Lion has a runtime of 50 minutes.
About The Lad and the Lion (1917) — A Silent Adventure Where Man and Lion Face the African Wilderness
The Lad and the Lion (1917) is a silent adventure film directed by Alfred E. Green, weaving a tale of survival and unexpected companionship set against the untamed heart of Africa. After a college vacation takes a disastrous turn, William Bankinton finds himself marooned on a derelict ship with only a lion and a mysterious stowaway named Broot for company. When Broot takes his own life, Bankinton and the lion are cast ashore, where they must navigate the harsh African wilderness together, losing their former identities in a primitive existence. The film explores themes of resilience, adaptability, and the unbreakable bond that forms between man and beast in the face of adversity.
Starring Vivian Reed and Will Machin, The Lad and the Lion delivers an atmospheric adventure rooted in Edgar Rice Burroughs' signature romance and wild escapism. The raw, almost mythic journey of Bankinton and his feline companion evokes a sense of timeless wonder, capturing the spirit of discovery and survival in a world untouched by modernity. With striking visual storytelling and a director known for his keen eye, this silent-era gem offers both intrigue and emotional depth to fans of classic adventure cinema.