Napoleon and Samantha

Napoleon and Samantha is a 1972 adventure film directed by Bernard McEveety and starring Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, and Johnny Whitaker. The movie follows the adventures of a ten-year-old boy named Napoleon Wilson (Whitaker) and his close friend Samantha (Foster), a teenage girl, as they embark on a journey to bury Napoleon's pet lion Major in the wild.

Napoleon is a young boy who has always had a difficult life. His mother died when he was very young, and his father is a truck driver who is rarely around. To make matters worse, Napoleon's beloved lion, Major, is taken away by an over-enthusiastic zookeeper who feels that the boy cannot properly care for the animal. Napoleon knows that he needs to save his lion, so he hatches a plan with Samantha to sneak out of town and bury Major in the wild, far from civilization.

Along the way, Napoleon and Samantha encounter a variety of obstacles, including some dangerous adults and other wild animals. Despite these challenges, the two children move forward with their mission, relying on their creativity and resourcefulness to overcome any obstacles in their way. Along the way, they make some new friends, including a traveling magician and a kind-hearted truck driver, who help them on their journey.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Napoleon and Samantha are not just on a mission to bury Major, but are also searching for something more profound. As Napoleon says at one point, "I don't have a home. I don't have a family. I don't even have a lion anymore. But when I'm with Samantha and Major, I feel like I belong somewhere." The two children are searching for a sense of belonging, and despite the challenges they face, they find it in each other.

One of the most notable aspects of Napoleon and Samantha is the quality of the acting. Despite being a children's film, the performances are nuanced and sophisticated. Foster, who was just 9 years old when the film was made, displays an impressive range of emotions, from vulnerability to strength, and is clearly a star in the making. Whitaker, known for his iconic role in the television series "Family Affair," is also impressive, bringing a depth of feeling to his portrayal of Napoleon that belies his young age.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is the stunning cinematography. The movie was shot on location in several different states, including California, Arizona, and Utah, and the natural landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for the story of two children struggling against the odds. The majestic mountains, the desolate deserts, and the rushing rivers all contribute to the sense of adventure and wonder that permeates the film.

Overall, Napoleon and Samantha is a charming and heartwarming film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It is a tale of friendship, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can find hope and meaning if we are willing to look for it.