This Family Lived With A Real Lion Back In 1971

Frank

After visiting Africa, actress Tippi Herdren felt inspired to make a movie about lions. Her daughter, Melanie Griffith, and husband Noel Marshall, were in on the idea as well.

When they talked to Ron Oxley, an animal trainer, about the idea they were told that in order to know lions the family should live with one for a while.

A housekeeper steps over Neil
A housekeeper steps over Neil
Melanie in a swimming pool with Neil (left) and a child playing with Neil (right)
Melanie in a swimming pool with Neil (left) and a child playing with Neil (right)
Melanie jumping into a swimming pool while Neil grabs her leg
Melanie jumping into a swimming pool while Neil grabs her leg
Neil in bed with Melanie
Neil in bed with Melanie
Neil the lion sleeping with Melanie Griffith in their home in Sherman Oaks, California, 1971
Neil the lion sleeping with Melanie Griffith in their home in Sherman Oaks, California, 1971
Noel Marshall tries to work in his study with Neil on his desk
Noel Marshall tries to work in his study with Neil on his desk
Tippi Hedren resting her back on Neil while reading a newspaper
Tippi Hedren resting her back on Neil while reading a newspaper
Tippi playing with Neil
Tippi playing with Neil
Tippi raids the fridge and reads a newspaper with Neil
Tippi raids the fridge and reads a newspaper with Neil
Tippi wrestling with Neil
Tippi wrestling with Neil

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