In The Leopard Son, Dutch naturalist Hugo Van Lawick, the husband of Jane Goodall, follows the coming-of-age of this elusive animal in the Serengeti over a two-year period.
The leopard cub waits in a tree while his mother goes out hunting. At the end of the day, reunion with her is a joy. A black beaked snake eagle shares the same tree the leopard son calls home. But he's able to soar above the plains where life and death struggles take place. Among the animals observed are a lion, a fierce enemy with no fear of other creatures; hyenas which take advantage of any kill; and the swift cheetahs who can outrun gazelles.
Van Lawick follows the leopard son on his initiation into a wider world once his mother leaves him.
Narrated by the inimitable Sir John Gielgud, this documentary has a fine musical score by Stewart Copland of The Police. The incredible cinematography takes us into a strange and compelling world where we see the full range of animal behavior. Best of all, The Leopard Son reveals a deep respect for the otherness of these creatures whose beauty and mystery is on full display.