Napoleon and Samantha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Napoleon and Samantha
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Bernard McEveety
Produced by	Winston Hibler
Written by	Stewart Raffill
Starring	Johnny Whitaker Jodie Foster Michael Douglas
Music by	Buddy Baker
Cinematography	Monroe P. Askins
Editing by	Robert Stafford
Studio	Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by	Buena Vista Distribution
Release date(s)	July 5, 1972 (1972-07-05)
Running time	92 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Napoleon and Samantha is an exciting adventure drama movie from 1972. It was directed by Bernard McEveety and written by Stewart Raffill. The film was shot in and around John Day, Oregon. It stars Johnny Whitaker and Jodie Foster in the main roles. This was Jodie Foster's very first movie! The story is about two kids and their amazing journey with a lion.

The Story of Napoleon and Samantha

A Boy, a Lion, and a Big Decision

Eleven-year-old Napoleon lives with his kind grandfather. One day, they meet an old clown who has a lion named Major. The clown cannot take Major back to Europe. So, Napoleon and his grandfather decide to adopt Major! The old lion has bad teeth and only drinks milk. They even put Major in the chicken cage to keep an eye on him.

Sadly, Napoleon's grandfather passes away from old age. Napoleon is worried about his future. He doesn't want to be sent to an orphanage (a home for children who don't have parents or guardians). He asks a young student named Danny to help bury his grandfather. Then, Napoleon decides to run away. He takes Major the lion, his pet rooster, and his friend Samantha with him. Their goal is to find Danny, who now lives in the mountains as a goat herder.

Dangers on the Mountain Trail

As Napoleon and Samantha travel, they face many dangers. Napoleon almost falls off a high cliff. Luckily, Major the lion uses a rope to pull him back to safety. They also have to cross a river. Major doesn't like water, which is common for most cats!

Later, a cougar attacks Napoleon's rooster. But Major quickly steps in! He easily defeats the smaller cougar and chases it up a tree. Another time, Napoleon is looking for wood. He comes across an angry black bear. The bear chases him back to where Samantha is resting with Major. At first, Major is tired and wants to sleep. Samantha tries hard to wake him up. But as soon as Major hears the bear's roar, he stands up. He is ready to protect the children. The bear is much bigger than the cougar. Major and the bear fight hard. But Major eventually wins, and the bear runs away.

Finding Help and Facing Trouble

Finally, the children find Danny's cabin. Danny welcomes them and hopes to convince Napoleon that orphanages can be good places. Danny leaves the kids with a man named Mark Pierson. He then tries to find Samantha's family to tell them she is safe. But Danny gets arrested! The police think he kidnapped the children.

At the police station, Danny sees a photo of Mark. It turns out Mark is a wanted man! Danny knows he must rescue the children. He steals a motorcycle and the police chase him. The chase leads all the way back to his cabin. There, the police find and arrest Mark.

A New Plan for Napoleon

Once everything is safe, Napoleon takes Major and tries to run away again. He wants to live with the Native Americans. But Danny catches up to him. Danny explains that Native Americans don't usually live in the wild anymore. He suggests that Napoleon try foster care (a temporary home with another family). Danny promises that Major can stay in the mountains and live with him. Napoleon agrees to this new plan. They go back to Danny's cabin, ready for a new start.

Cast of Characters