Professor Marvin Feldman (Michael Callan) loves animals more than the beings of the human race, including his students. He lives at home with his overbearing mother who calls his prized Amazonian parrot a "fancy chicken". Fortuitously, Marvin gets a chance to spend some time with an wildlife refuge in California. There, he is introduced to Frazier, an older lion whose virility is still amazing. One day, Marvin travels alone to observe the lions when Frazier starts to talk with him...in English. Once word gets out that the king of the beasts is communicating with a human, the spotlight shines on the animal sanctuary. Does Frazier have something to tell and teach to the supposedly superior beings of this planet?
Although the old-fashioned quality of this film might not appeal to everyone, those who love animals and gentle humor will be charmed by it's easygoing nature. Callan is a dear as the shy professor and Frazier a delight. While the costumes and settings are nondescript, the movie has a Disney-like quality that is rare in the 21st century. Perhaps a bit sophisticated for the youngest viewers, it nevertheless is a family friendly movie that pours on the charm.
Although the old-fashioned quality of this film might not appeal to everyone, those who love animals and gentle humor will be charmed by it's easygoing nature. Callan is a dear as the shy professor and Frazier a delight. While the costumes and settings are nondescript, the movie has a Disney-like quality that is rare in the 21st century. Perhaps a bit sophisticated for the youngest viewers, it nevertheless is a family friendly movie that pours on the charm.