Roar (1981)

An American man (Noel Marshall) is a caretaker of a tribal area in Tanzania and lives with free roaming lions, tigers, leopards and panthers who come and go and do as they please in the house and surrounding area. When his wife (Tippi Hedren), daughter (Melanie Griffith) and sons (John Marshall, Jerry Marshall) arrive for a visit, they are overwhelmed by the animals ... literally. Written, produced and directed by Noel Marshall (Hedren's husband at the time). Over 10 years in the making, the film is often referred to as the most expensive home movie ever made and just as frequently as the most dangerous shoot in movie history. Melanie Griffith almost lost an eye when she was mauled and cinematographer Jan De Bont (DIE HARD) had a lion lift his scalp and required over 200 stitches. The story behind the making of ROAR could make a movie all by itself. This nearly plotless film has the most truly amazing footage of big cats doing what big cats do. When you see them bite or scratch one of the actors, that's not fake, it's real blood! If you're an animal lover, this is a fascinating watch. Most of the acting is by non professionals and you can tell the amateurs from the pros. Noel Marshall in particular is just awful in his line readings and his two sons are right there next to him. Only Hedren, Griffith and Zakes Mokae (in a small role) give indications that they know what they're doing. The film was actually shot in Acton, California though you'd never know it wasn't Africa. A truly one of a kind movie!