Somewhere in Southern Africa
You are listening to Group Africa Radio.
Beaming a clear signal all over the southern and mid-continent.
[MAN ON RADIO SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGU AGE]
[THUDS]
[MONKEY SCREECHES]
[HIGH-PITCHED GROWLING]
WOMAN: Poor baby. It's a tough way to start out.
We'll give her 50-50.
What do you think, doc?
I say she'll make it. Maybe,
with the help of a future veterinarian.
Once she's off the bottle, of course. Oh, I know, I know.
So, cub, what's your name gonna be?
Careful, Val. She can't become a pet.
Mom, give me a little credit. I'm practically a professional already.
You're practically in love already.
I know that look.
We might as well name her. She's gonna be here for...
For as short a time as possible. Until I place her, right, Val?
Well, she still needs a name.
Call her Elsa. What else?
Elsa?
[CHUCKLES]
Elsa. Of course.
Elsa.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
One year later
[WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY]
Youth, uh... Youth Mark eteer.
Here. Take this. Okay.
Hey. How are you?
[PAPER RUSTLES]
Thanks, Chris.
Come on, you wanna help me? Help me out. I'm a vet.
WOMAN: Hey, watch it! Come on.
Please don't touch me. Come on.
Taxi, taxi.
All I want's a quarter, man. Come on.
Check this out, man. Step up to the store.
Check this out.
Hey, Marcus, what are you selling today?
Hey, little sister, check this out. I got this yesterday.
I like this gold one. How much is it?
Hey, check the hot tops.
That's my brother, Rand. Youth Mark eteer.
That's Wall Street for beginners.
What's for dinner? I'm starving.
It's Tuesday. That's you, Rand.
Oh, uh, spaghetti. Gina, give me a hand, will you? I'll help you out tomorrow.
Yeah, sure.
Tough day? No. The day was fine.
I just wish for once I could get into a cab without a bunch of psychotics waiting in line to mug me.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
GINA: Oop, I'll get it. RAND: You're just being paranoid, Dad.
I would rather be paranoid than be accosted.
Yeah, uh, speaking of money... DR. THOMPSON: Do we have to?
Here, Dad. This is for you.
Would you mind if I took dance lessons three times a week?
Aren't you overdoing it? GINA: I don't think I'm doing it enough.
Yeah, also if I could borrow, like, $700, I could do my newsletter right here at home.
DR. THOMPSON: I don't believe this. RAND: What?
The Rosebrook Research Institute.
That one where you stayed up for, like, three nights in a row?
Writing the grant proposal. It just came through.
That's cool, Dad. Congratulations.
Maybe I can subsidize the extra lesson with your new grant check.
Yeah, listen, uh, Jerry's newsstand wants to distribute for me, but I don't think it's necessary-
Whoa, whoa, whoa, you don't understand.
This underwrites my research for two years.
Is this oregano or thyme? Oh, that's oregano.
So, which means, boys and girls, we will be leaving for Africa in two weeks.
Africa? Africa?
That's where I'm doing the research.
Dad, no. That's impossible.
Now, wait a minute. It's only two years.
How many kids do you know get a chance to go to Africa?
Wait a minute. No, Dad. Timing here is everything, okay?
You want to go to Africa, that's fine. You can be my guest.
As for me, I think I'm speaking for Gina here also,
we got plenty to do right here in the good old U.S. of A.
There's no way I'm going to Africa.
Rand.
Giraffes.
I've seen giraffes.
[SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGU AGE]
This is my wife, Frances, and our son, Nik Nik.
How do you do, Frances? I'm David. FRANCES: Hi.
Hello, Nik Nik. NIK NIK: Hello.
This is my daughter, Gina. Hi.
DR. THOMPSON: Rand? GINA: Nice to meet you.
That's my son, Rand.
Papa says we're gonna take good care of you so you don't get into too much trouble.
DR. THOMPSON: Well, thank you very much, Nik Nik.
FRANCES: I hope you had a good trip. GINA: It was a long, long way.
Who are you? I'm, uh, the Easter Bunny.
I don't think so. No?
I'll show you to your rooms. Uh, no, thank you.
I think I'm gonna find my own place to bunk.
By my calculations, that barn over there is the closest one to America.
Uh, Rand, in that barn- It's okay. Let him go.
[RAND GROANS]
[GROWLS]
RAND: Oh, no.
Okay.
All right. Oh, no.
Easy, easy there. There you go. All right. Yeah.
Boy, you're big.
There you are.
Sorry. She likes this barn.
That is a lion. Yes, it is.
It's all right. Elsa's quite tame.
I'm Val Porter. Mother and I live down the hill. You must be the new neighbors.
Yes. I'm, uh, Dr. Thompson.
These are my children, Gina and Rand.
It's all right. Nearly everyone's a little frightened at first.
Lady, it's, uh... It's gonna take a lot more
than a big pussycat to frighten me.
Obviously.
I think she likes you.
RAND: Who, the ice maiden or the man-eater?
Where was she?
In the barn, scaring the new people.
Dr. Thompson wonder where I was?
He didn't ask about you at all.
There was a daughter and a son, and for some weird reason,
Elsa got an immediate crush on the son.
Uh-oh. Jealous?
Elsa can like whomever she pleases.
I meant the other way around.
Oh, no. He's not my type at all.
Thinks he's something special. I can't stand that kind of arrogance.
[SQUEALS]
[MUSIC TURNS OFF]
[ANIMAL CRIES]
Got to admit that was cool.
So I guess you were thinking of settling out here.
Yeah, I'd like to.
Well, I don't know about this, Rand.
There could be wild animals or snakes at night.
I'm not bothering anybody out here,
and I'll keep the place clean.
Well, oh, okay.
I wish you wouldn't separate yourself from us. That's all.
I'd prefer it out here. If you tell me to go back inside...
I'm not telling you you have to. It's not an order, just a wish.
FRANCES: Is something wrong with American fries?
Oh, no. They're perfect. They're wonderful.
Could I fix you a sandwich or a salad? Nope. Not a thing, Frances.
But we'll do better by your food when we've rested. Promise.
Okay.
It's incredible, isn't it? Mm.
Mm-hm.
Look, Gina, I know this isn't easy.
Things will get better when Rand comes around a little.
I don't know what's gotten into him.
Gina?
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
[LOUD MUSIC PLAYING]
[MUSIC DISTORTS, THEN STOPS]
Oh, man.
[GROWLING]
Hey, pussycat.
How's Winny doing?
She won't eat unless I feed her. Oh.
Winny would make a nice pet.
Well, I have a pet, on permanent loan, apparently.
No, Val. You're keeping a lion for George Luello.
GEORGE: Good morning. Speaking of whom.
Good morning, George. Good morning.
Val, I need you to fill this out, please.
It's the keeper's report.
A summary of Elsa's behavior and habits while she's been in your care.
You're taking her away? Not now, Val.
But it's coming. You know that.
Now comes the hard part.
[GROWLING]
Good morning.
So, uh...
this is your place? This is your barn? This is where you live, huh?
Well...
I'm just...
I'm just gonna get dressed.
I'm gonna go in the kitchen...
and have some breakfast.
All right. Just take it easy, all right? I'll just, uh...
I'll go out this way.
What is the problem?
[GUN SHOOTS]
What?
Good morning. I see your watchdog alerted you.
You're trying to say that she was protecting me from that thing?
Egyptian cobra. Very deadly.
What happened?
Is that snake poisonous? No. Dad, it's fine. Really.
I think you're gonna have to forget about sleeping in the barn, Rand.
Dad, it's nothing. Forget it- No, it's okay,
Dr. Thompson, it's all right.
Elsa is the very best protection you can find. She doesn't miss a thing.
And I don't mind her staying out here with your son,
since, for some reason, she likes it.
Good girl.
Stay here. Good girl.
Ready, Nik Nik? Yeah, I'm ready.
FRANCES: All right. VAL: Bye.
Bye. NIK NIK: Bye-bye.
Ah.
I'm from Greystone Academy. I'm here to see-
I know, I know. Actually, you're here early. I didn't expect you till tomorrow.
GINA: Greystone Academy? RAND: What is this, Dad?
Uh, yes, I meant to discuss this with you earlier, but with everything happening,
I thought we'd settle down a little. Greystone's is the best school in the country.
Where is it? It's in the capital.
The capital’s two hours from here.
You're shipping us off to some boarding school halfway across Africa?
I am not shipping- Look, this is the way things are done here.
Greystone's happens to be the finest school in the country here.
And I think you're awful lucky to get in.
Do you hear that, Gina? You feel lucky?
Now wait a minute. Don't start now. No, well, I certainly feel lucky.
You know, I feel lucky. I feel very lucky.
We've just been subjected to another one of Dad's dead-end ultimatums.
"You're going to Africa. " No discussion.
"You're leaving your friends, your home, everything you care about for two years. " No discussion.
" Now it's off to some boarding school you know nothing about. " No discussion.
Now, hold on, Rand. I did mean to discuss this with you.
You know, the thing is, you haven't discussed anything with us. That's the problem, okay? Because...
Look, Gina and I want a chance to be adults.
We wanna have something to say about where we live, how we live. But no, you treat us like babies.
Why are we in Africa, Dad? Because we sat down and discussed
the pros and cons like three equals? No.
We're not equals. I'm the parent, you're the kid.
Real- Okay, that's good. That's real good. All right.
Well, all right. I've been arbitrary.
But we're here. There's nothing we can do about it. We are in Africa.
We are in Africa, Rand. And that's the most appropriate school.
And that's where I want you to go. I've thoroughly researched this.
Well, where does Val go? And Nik Nik?
Where are those kids going?
To Shamba School. The only one here.
Yes, well, it's not anything you'd really be accustomed to.
Is it a good school? Shamba School is a very good school
for Val and Nik Nik.
Well, if it's good enough for Val and Nik Nik, it's good enough for me.
Count me in.
Where's the school?
Jomo says it's about two miles that way on the left.
You better get started. You're already late. I'll be by later to check it out.
Two miles? You could zip us down there in a minute and a half.
Well, I'm sorry, but I'm late too. And you could use the exercise.
After all, if it's good enough for Val and Nik Nik...
You see that? That's right.
You had to throw that in, didn't you? Now we're gonna be hearing that every time we turn around.
"That's right, if it's good enough for Val and Nik Nik... "
Look, at least I made something happen instead of just standing there, complaining.
Okay, you know, um...
Hello.
[SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGU AGE]
Miss Porter.
Eleanor.
Dr. Thompson. David.
Actually, I met your daughter. Twice already.
[SPEAKS IN FOREIGN LANGU AGE]
Uh, this way.
Okay.
ELEANOR: As you can see, we get by on very little.
On the other hand, you'll be happy to know we do have a wealth of viruses to study.
[SPEAKS IN FOREIGN LANGU AGE]
Their temperature stays over 103,
and their surface symptoms, well, they're all over the map.
I'm going to need blood samples.
Dr. Thompson, I'm afraid you're gonna be on your own for a while. I've got to see to my patients.
The lab is just through there. Such as it is.
[THOMPSON CLEARS THROAT]
Oh, that's the, uh, lab?
Yes. Uh-huh.
I'm afraid no one had the time to fix it up for you.
RAND: That's the school? Oh, neat.
It looks just like play school.
Yeah, be careful. By lunchtime, they'll have you making lamps and billfolds
out of Popsicle sticks.
Doctor, progress?
Officially the viral samples are the same,
but around the edges,
there is a difference.
I just can't get a clear view with this piece of...
antiquity.
Excuse me.
Uh, well, you could try contacting Jim Willery in the capital. He might dig something up.
There's no money in the grant for supplies.
Maybe on the strength of your name. Dr. David Thompson in Africa.
It's been raising eyebrows everywhere.
I'm a little surprised myself.
No one knew African viruses were a special interest for you.
A virus...
is a virus.
And as a place for my family to live,
Africa was very appealing.
Excuse me.
Oh, uh, excuse me. Could I have one word with you?
That's your domain in there,
and I know it must feel like I'm invading.
But can I assure you that's not my intention.
Selena Wilkinson, born and raised nearby,
had been doing brilliant research here and in Zaire.
For years, she's been praying for the kind of grant they simply handed you.
It would have been the culmination of a lifetime's work,
not just a free safari for some children.
Miss Porter...
I am sorry about your friend's disappointment.
I came to Africa to work and to work hard.
If my having a double motive disqualifies me in your book, well,
that's going to make it a little bit tough for both of us,
but that is something that you will have to live with.
So as Africans, how do you feel?
Do you think the power should lie with any one nation?
Well, ma'am, it seems to me that no one country should control nuclear power.
Uh-huh, and how would you have it be, Neuru?
The way I see it is that the United Nations should take over
and say where it can be used and, I suppose, where it can't.
Let's hear from one of our newcomers.
Rand.
What's your opinion?
Sitting out here in the middle of nowhere, I don't think you need to be too concerned.
Nobody's gonna waste a warhead on this place.
You will find, Rand, that out here in the middle of nowhere,
we don't see ourselves as third-class. In fact,
we have the same rights and responsibilities as Americans in the biggest cities.
That's another world, Miss Luello.
Oh, yes. Yes, it is, Rand.
Miss Luello got her MA at Columbia.
And how long have you been in Africa for, American boy?
What? One day? And already you know everything about us?
That's enough, Neuru. Okay.
I won't waste any more of your time or mine.
Rand, sit down, please.
Rand.
Sit down.
Dr. Thompson, I'm, uh... I'm finishing up early. Would you like some help?
Oh, no. No, I'm fine. Thanks.
I'm going to Vail’s, okay?
NIK NIK: Bye. GIRLS: Bye.
Good. Now it's just us men.
I've got things to do, okay, Nik Nik?
I'll help you. Oh, yeah?
How can you help me?
Well, I'll tell you never to stand on an anthill. They bite.
Oh, no. Okay. Get them off. Get them off.
Let me help you up.
You see, I'm a good guy to have around.
RAND: Good guy to have around, but you can't beat me up the hill.
You want to race? Wanna go? Good. Come on.
[BLEATING]
[WHISTLES]
[GROWLING]
Elsa.
George.
Yes, Magilla.
You know, it's not so smart to have her hanging around your goats.
Oh, come on, George. She doesn't hurt them.
Mm-mm. Elsa's a lion.
She doesn't act much like it now, but one day she will.
Relax, George. She's wonderful. Yes, Magilla, but she's still a lion.
Still working?
No. I'm... I'm playing chess.
Since when are you afraid of Elsa?
It's dinnertime. She's hungry, and I'm little.
Well, I don't have any food, girl.
What is she doing, Nik Nik? What does she want?
She likes you.
RAND: Likes me, really?
You're lucky.
Hey.
Hey there. Yeah.
You're friendly. Hey.
NIK NIK: Rand! Rand!
Rand!
He's not down there.
Well, we should have left 10 minutes ago.
All right, go on ahead, and I'll send him down.
RAND: Hey, come on. Show some respect. That's my friend you're insulting.
Okay, run up there, all right?
One, two, three.
You're a showoff.
You also have four legs.
I thought you were fast.
What happened?
[LAUGHS]
Rand, where have you been?
I, uh, took a hike. Actually, Elsa took me on a hike.
Actually, you skipped school. That is unacceptable.
Dad, this school is a complete waste of time.
Oh, no, no. You could have gone to Greystone's.
Greystone wouldn't have been any better.
Nothing would be better for you right now, Rand.
I know you, and from now on, you will attend every class unless I excuse you.
Dad, this is not- No, no.
There is not a negotiation here.
If you skip again, you'll move back into the house.
I will take away your allowance, and I will take away that computer.
Oh, really? Okay, you know what? That's fine with me. Just go ahead and take it.
The freaking batteries are failing. The stupid African plugs won't fit it. Just go ahead and take it.
You used to be a pretty nice guy when Mom was still alive.
What was that? Nothing.
No. I'd like to know what you said.
I said...
you used to be a pretty nice guy when Mom was alive.
That's what I said.
RAND: School, school, school, school.
You know, back home I liked school. Here?
Well, I learn more fooling around with you than I would a month in that classroom.
My father and his twisted ideals. Never knew your father, did you?
Or your mother? No?
My mother... My mother was something else.
She sure was. She, uh, treated me like a person.
Elsa, stay!
Why can't she come to school with us?
She's gotten too big. She gets into trouble, and she scares people.
Papa says it's time for the zoo. Please don't discuss that.
Good morning. Good morning.
We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. I think I said some things
that were unprofessional.
Oh, there's no need to apologize. I wasn't apologizing.
Miss Porter, I know you resent my being here.
There's no need to refer to it any longer.
I am perfectly capable of being civil, as I hope you are.
There's no reason that we can't work together. And speaking of work,
I need blood samples of viral patients every morning and every evening.
And if there are any survivors from past viral epidemics in this area,
I want to test them, but most of all, somehow, somewhere, I've got to get a 20th century microscope.
Dr. Thompson, I'm very interested in your research, and I'm very anxious
to help you in any way I can. But there's some confusion here.
I am not a part of your grant. I am not your assistant.
I'm a nurse practitioner, and my job is to run that clinic.
I think your work is important and exciting, and I was...
Well, I was hoping to get off to a fresh start today.
[THUNDER CRASHES]
The end of the 19th century saw a large expansion in African colonization.
Which of the European powers held colonies here?
Great Britain. BO Y: France.
GIRL: Belgium. Any others?
Rand? Germany.
Yes. And who were the leaders of those countries? Anyone?
Queen Victoria in England.
France? Belgium? Germany?
Rand?
Napoleon III in France, King Leopold in Belgium,
Kaiser Wilhelm I in Germany. But Bismarck had the real juice.
Thank you. I believe that's lunch.
Rand, could I have a word with you, please?
I'm glad to have a student like you with us, Rand.
I just wish you didn't resent being here.
I answer when you call on me, and I stay awake.
The minimum. I want more.
You could make a big contribution if you try.
I'm going back to the States soon.
I've got a lot happening there, maybe even a job.
What is it that you can do there that you can't do here?
Oh, oh, uh...
Well, I can hang with my friends. Take in a band at the Dub Club,
go to the museum, the symphony, publish The Mark eteer.
The Mark eteer?
Wall Street for my generation. The old guys think the stock market's some kind of big deal, but it's not.
Well, you make investments yourself?
Well, Dad says not till I'm 18, so it's play money. But I'm cleaning up.
I've always hoped for a school paper.
That's not the same.
Think about it.
That's really good. Oh, it's just a rough sketch.
I've seen that look in her eyes a few times.
Yeah. I bet you have.
Listen, Val, I'm not trying to make her hang out with me or anything.
I know. Thanks. She's your lion.
No, she's not. No, she's not mine or anybody's.
But I appreciate the thought.
Oh, here.
No, I don't want it. You keep it.
Thanks. I will.
[SINGING]
Sorry. Was I singing? And dancing.
Yeah. Nik Nik says you're going to be a professional.
Well, I said that, but I changed my mind.
I mean, there's gotta be more to life than practice, right?
Maybe. Maybe.
Here. Listen.
This is cool music.
Rand.
Miss Luello tells me that you are thinking of starting a school paper?
I said I'd think about it. And have you?
Have I what? Thought about it?
You see, I'm interested in the school paper myself. And since it was your idea,
you are in charge. That's if you are interested.
But if you are not...
[TYPEWRITER TYPING]
Will everyone in school get a copy? If they want it.
Here, try this paragraph again. For free?
First issue, yes. The first issue is always free.
Why are you calling it The Termite?
That is the function of a good paper, to eat away rotten, old-age ideas.
Like a termite.
RAND: So come on. Get your copy of it right here, right now. Here it is.
MISS LUELLO: The Termite?
I'll admit the title is a bit corny.
I had something less controversial in mind.
Oh, well, "controversial" is Rand's middle name.
Although, I will say he's outdone himself this time.
You asked me to publish a school paper.
I asked you to think about it. I thought about it, and I did it.
All by yourself.
No, I got Neuru involved. Typing your essays.
No. You see, his stuff was a bit naive. No offence, Neuru.
His "stuff," as you call it, is just as valid as yours.
Maybe I misjudged your editorial abilities or your maturity.
So I guess you'll have to expel me now.
Mrs. Luello is trying to help you.
I would like you to try again, but for this next issue-
Next issue? No. No way. I quit. Come on.
No. No, I mean it. For the next two years, just count me out.
Hey, hey, Rand. That's enough. Rand!
Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson, Nik Nik found this on Rand's bed.
"Since it seems that I'm stuck in Africa for two years,
I would like to make the best use of my time.
I've read there is a new anthropological dig on Lake Mizalacausie
that is hiring workers.
I'm going to apply for a job. Will keep you advised. " Lake Mizalacausie?
Lake Uzelazie. Dr. T, no one hikes there from here. Rand will be lost.
ELEANOR: Dr. Thompson? Oh, for God sakes!
ELEANOR: Dr. Thompson? DR. THOMPSON: Yes, what? What?
Did Rand leave a note? Yes.
He's gone off to God knows where. Don't tell me that-
Apparently, Val saw his note. She thinks that Elsa's followed him.
And now Vail’s gone too. What are we gonna do?
I'll call George Luello. He has a big truck. Come.
Let's go. This is unbelievable.
Okay.
South.
West. Okay.
Elsa!
[GROWLING]
I know a few places we can look now, but I don't expect to find anybody before tomorrow.
We'll keep in touch. DR. THOMPSON: I want to go with you.
I appreciate how you feel, but we work better on our own.
Too many people will slow us down. There must be something we can do.
Please, stay here. We'll find them.
[ENGINE STARTS]
RAND: Got it going.
[GROWLING]
Elsa, that better be you.
Hey, how are you? What are you doing out here?
What are you doing? Are you out here looking for me?
Oh, God. Oh, come here.
Oh, I've never been so glad to see anybody in my entire life.
What are you doing here? Oh, I was following Elsa,
and she was tracking you. Oh.
You know, this isn't the way people usually go to Lake Mizalacausie.
I figured that out. It looked like a shortcut on the map.
You're also walking in a circle, and it definitely takes longer that way.
Don't feel badly. People get lost out here all the time.
There's lots of little box canyons and landmarks that look alike.
So, bwana, do you know how to get out of here?
I didn't say that.
[GROWLING]
Elsa! No, Val, don't go out there.
No. No. No. She'll be killed.
Val, she's a lion, okay? She's got instincts too.
VAL: It's not enough.
I'm sure. Come here.
Come on.
[SQU AWKING]
Elsa's back.
VAL: Mm-hm. She came in at dawn.
So are you gonna go to Lake Mizalacausie?
No, I don't think so.
It's different now that you're here.
What I mean is, they'll probably be looking for you and Elsa.
Me and Elsa? What about you? Okay, I started it,
but I just think we should stick together. Find our way back.
Yeah. I didn't mean to mess up your plans.
I just couldn't let Elsa run off like that.
It's fine. It's all right. I didn't want to go that badly.
I was just angry.
Are you still angry?
Val, can you keep a secret?
I'm starting to like it here.
If this is the Balabi River,
then we're somewhere in here.
And home is that away.
Oh, boy.
Hey, Elsa, come on. Come on in too. Elsa! Come on.
Come on, girl. Hey, come on.
Oh, well.
This fire is still warm. Somebody was here.
Yeah, this could have been Elsa's spot. Maybe they're together.
If it's them.
Tea leaves. Val took the Thermos with her.
She always has pepper cupper. Her dad's a Brit.
Unbelievable. They're having a tea party while we're sick with worry.
At least they found each other.
Look, their tracks go that way, and the river's down there.
If they made it to the river, Val knows how to get home.
Well, that is if Rand wants to go home.
Difficult days?
Well...
you know. Rand will never forgive me for taking him away from his friends
and his school and his newsletter and this and that.
Give him time.
Who wouldn't want to trade the city in for all this?
Randolph Everett Thompson, for one. Thank you.
Sounds like a pretty unique fellow.
Val pretends not to like him, but she talks about him all the time.
Well, no one can tell Rand what to do.
His mother...
well, she was much better with him.
I really haven't been able to reach him lately, since...
You know, he resists just about every single thing I say.
I'm starting to second-guess myself.
Makes me think I'm a pretty lousy father.
Would it make you feel any better if I told you he sounds like a normal teenager?
Thanks. Look, I'm sorry. I don't mean to dump all my problems on you.
No, no, no, it has a familiar ring. Remember, I've got one too.
Oh, God! What?
I bet they spent the night together.
Oh, well, Eleanor, if you're suggesting that my son would take advantage of your daughter...
Please, David. It could have been the other way around.
Oh, boy.
[VAL SCREAMING]
Go! Go!
Come on. Come on.
[ROARING]
[ROAR ECHOING]
DR. THOMPSON: Thank you, Mr. Luello, and I'm sorry for the trouble.
I'm just glad everyone's back in one piece.
Thank you, George. Don't do that again, huh?
Val...
Is that okay if I go to your house? ELEANOR: Well, sure.
Dad, I'll be at Vail’s, okay? Just, uh, be home for dinner.
Hold on, Rand.
You and I have to have a little talk.
Now, could you please explain to me
why you went off on this mission from hell?
I was angry, and it was stupid. And I admit it was dumb.
Yes, it was dumb. It was dumb. It was reckless and dumb.
You're very lucky there are no serious injuries.
Very, very lucky.
You've made your point. Rand, what are you doing?!
I don't understand why you're behaving this way.
I guess I was wrong to drag you out here to this terrible, horrible place.
Look at it. Terrible!
I'm sorry.
You're not to leave the grounds unless I give you permission.
Not even down the hill?
Well, down the hill's okay, I guess.
Thank you.
[BLEATING]
MAGILLA: What is it? What's wrong?
Oh.
You again.
No.
Get away! Go away!
Hey!
[SINGING]
Is Elsa okay?
She ran off as soon as the shooting started.
The other lion wasn't so lucky. Sorry, Val, but it's time now.
What are you saying? You're gonna send Elsa to a zoo because some male lion was pestering her?
She's attracting them. It's a dangerous situation.
If the goatherd hadn't killed the lion, the lion might have killed the goatherd.
Now, I can't wait till somebody gets hurt.
I'm coming by for Elsa before dark. You see that she's there.
Ondine, sorry for the disruption.
I'm sorry I ever started all this.
I feel like letting every one of them go right now.
They would die, Val.
They'd die.
What you do for them is important. You think so?
But it's too hard when it's time to say goodbye.
Come on, Victor.
Before somebody wants you for their stupid zoo.
Come on, Elsa. Up you go.
How long untie she goes?
A few days. Can we come and see her?
Of course.
This doesn't feel right.
Well, do you want to go see her or not?
I don't know.
It might just make things worse.
It's so weird seeing her in a cage like this.
Mm.
Wait.
Wait a minute, Val...
RAND: Miss Luello, what are you doing here?
I live here. George is my brother. Oh.
I take it you've come to see Elsa?
Uh, no. Actually we've come by to see Mr. Luello.
We'd like to release Elsa back into the wild.
Oh. Well, you'd better come in.
The odds are very bad. Isn't it best for Elsa to live in a zoo?
And what kind of life is that? Safe, secure.
Like a prison? She deserves a chance to be free.
And we're willing to work with her.
Do you two have any idea what you're getting yourselves into?
Do you know how Elsa got her name?
Your brother named her after the original Elsa,
the lion that the lady raised- Joy Adamson, yes.
Have you read her book? No.
Before embarking on such a task, I suggest you do your homework.
And believe me, before asking Mr. Luello for anything,
you'd best be well-prepared. Good luck and good reading.
Thanks. Thank you.
You're welcome.
The answer is no.
And I don't appreciate your stunt with the book.
It will just give them wild ideas.
At least they can prepare a proper case.
There is no case. That situation was one in a million.
This lion cannot survive in the wild,
and we can't have her running around loose anymore.
Her only hope is the zoo.
George, how can you be so sure she won't survive on her own?
Doesn't she at least deserve a chance?
All this to do about one lion. I'm responsible for millions of animals, Ondine.
Why are you making such a fuss about Elsa's future?
It's not Elsa's future that concerns me.
RAND: Val and I have given this a lot of careful thought, and we believe
that Elsa has a legitimate chance of survival in the wild
if she is properly and systematically introduced to the elements.
Yes. My staff and I cover more than two million acres of wildlife.
We don't have so much time for " properly and systematically. "
We're only asking for a minimum of support from your staff.
Rand and I plan to do all the training ourselves.
And who's going to train you?
Well, wait a minute. Joy Adamson wasn't a trained expert.
She loved her Elsa. She did the best that she could, and it worked.
We have the benefit of her experience. We don't even have to make all the same mistakes.
No, because you'll be making plenty new ones of your own. Come.
I want to show you something.
All right. This is Elsa's normal diet, meat with kibble,
and this is what she'll be eating in the wild, if she's lucky.
All that proves is that she goes for the easy stuff first.
She would starve in the wild.
VAL: No. She'd learn from the other lions, be part of a pride.
More like they'd kill her. She belongs in a zoo.
Val and I have made scientific observations in the field that contradict your position, Mr. Luello.
Scientific observations?
While we were lost,
we had a chance to spend some time with Elsa in a natural environment.
She didn't kill her food. No, but she did fit in.
And we think she found a boyfriend.
We see offshoot scientific implications to this endeavor.
Okay, one, how to influence animal behavior, heredity versus environment,
conditioning by kindness or harshness.
Offshoot scientific implications?
Miss Luello said she'd give us credit. I did?
For special projects. Uh, yes, I did say that.
You gotta admit, this is pretty special.
Good try, but the answer is still no.
Well, they are right, you know? I beg your pardon?
Well, there's no logical reason why Elsa can't be successfully integrated.
You see, the Adamson's experiment changed everyone's thinking.
I mean, since then, there's been countless examples.
Lions, wolves, even condors.
Mr. Luello, this is obviously your call.
But speaking strictly as a scientist and based on scientific evidence,
Rand and Val have every reason to expect success
if they're given a chance.
I'll give them two weeks. Three. Please.
All right. Three weeks. Yes. Thank you.
Thanks, Mom. Yeah, thank you.
Uncommonly bright children. Yes.
Impressive improvisational skills.
That's one way of putting it.
Like father, like son.
Hi. Hi, girl. Hey.
Elsa! Hey, Elsa, come here.
Come here.
VAL: Hey, girl.
RAND: Welcome back.
Now comes the hard part.
[GROWLING]
No, Elsa.
She's hungry.
She's supposed to be hungry.
I think she's starving.
Maybe she is, but tomorrow she's gonna hunt her own dinner.
Will she know how to do that?
If she's hungry enough, her natural instincts will take over.
How do you know that?
It's in the book.
[CLATTERING]
VAL: I should have let George take her when she was still a baby.
You don't mean that. Think of what you would have missed.
Think what I would have missed. Fine for us, but all wrong for Elsa.
I think she likes the life that she's had,
and she'll be okay once she gets into the real wild country.
She won't be ready. Val, you're being so negative.
VAL: I love her. That's all.
JOMO: Bye, everyone. VAL: Bye.
GINA: See you later. RAND: Yeah, see you later.
GINA: Good luck. RAND: You coming, Gina?
Oh, thanks, but I have other plans. Other plans?
You just- Never mind.
All right.
See you guys tonight, huh?
Bye. Bye.
ALL: Bye. RAND: Goodbye.
Bye, guys.
Come on, girl. Come on.
VAL: Come on, girl. RAND: Come on. Come on.
VAL: Good girl.
[GROWLING]
Why you doing that, Papa?
Something new, Nik Nik.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Yeah! Good girl! Yes!
She didn't kill it herself, though.
But she stalked it, and she brought it in.
DR. THOMPSON: And she is eating it.
GEORGE: True, but Jomo won't be around with his rifle next time to help her.
DR. THOMPSON: He won't need to be. I wish we had more time.
Nope. Enough's enough. She'll be ready.
Saturday. VAL AND RAND: Saturday.
VAL: Right, Mr. Luello.
[COUGHS]
I believe you're looking for volunteers.
Uh, well...
Your field is virological research? Yes.
Well, I have some small knowledge of the field myself.
I'm certainly qualified to take some blood samples and provide you with assistance.
Dr. Thompson, isn't it?
Yes, and you are? I'm Selena Wilkinson.
Oh. Yes.
I believe Eleanor has spoken of me.
Yeah. If you don't want my help,
believe me, I'll understand.
But I wanted to offer it anyway.
You see, I've been sitting at home for a month,
pouting over your good fortune,
and there's something wrong with that.
If I were in your shoes and qualified help were around the corner,
I'd wonder why I didn't step forward.
Well, I really don't know what to say.
Well, say yes, doctor.
Oh, yes, please. I mean, of course.
Good. Robert, in here.
This should come in handy.
Yes. Yes, indeed.
That thing suits you.
Well, I wouldn't be caught dead riding this in the city.
From Future Business Leaders of America.
Yeah. Let's see.
Yeah.
Collins. Collins Brokerage.
The apprenticeship. I got it. They want me in the office on Monday.
Wow, an airplane ticket. This outfit doesn't fool around, huh?
Room and board, a salary. Dad, this is an incredible opportunity!
Sure sounds like one, if that's what you want.
It's okay?
Thank you. Thank you.
Hey, uh, what about your friend there?
Elsa. Well, I'm gonna miss the final release, of course, but...
Come on, Elsa! She's gonna be all right.
Dad, this is an incredible opportunity.
This is a once in a lifetime chance. Come on, girl!
Geri, I didn't plan it this way, okay?
I didn't want to come to Africa in the first place.
Will you come back?
Yeah. Yeah, I'll come back to see, uh...
You know, to see Dad and Gina. You.
But not Elsa. She won't be here.
No.
What about Val?
Well, I'll come and see Val too.
No, I mean, have you told her?
It's on my agenda.
Big day for Homer, huh?
His idea of freedom is the palm of my hand.
Listen, uh, about tomorrow and Elsa.
Uh...
Something's come up...
and I can't go.
What?
I have...
I have an incredible chance to intern at a brokerage back home.
They sent me an airplane ticket and everything.
I guess this is goodbye for now.
I'll write you.
I hope you'll write me and tell me how things work with Elsa.
Elsa will be in the Rotterdam Zoo.
RAND: But it's all set up with George.
You and I were going to free Elsa together.
I can't believe how wrong I was about you.
You had me completely fooled.
I thought you really cared...
about Elsa.
I do. I do care, but this is a dream that I had long before I met you or Elsa.
And if you're suggesting that I pass this up-
I'm not suggesting anything.
Maybe this is hard for someone like you to understand.
That's right. It's hard for someone like me to understand. Goodbye, Rand.
Val. There's nothing to say.
Just go on home and have your dream.
I want to forget I ever knew you.
Rand?
Something wrong?
Yeah, it's Val.
Oh.
She must be upset.
Yeah, she is.
You know...
I've been thinking about this...
and Collins Brokerage is okay.
It's not top of the line by any means.
And if you're serious about this, I don't want you settling for second best.
Maybe the timing's wrong.
No, you're right about Collins.
The market is down a little bit. Yeah, mm-hm.
You can always reapply in summer. Yeah. I suppose I could sign up.
You know, I hate to go back on my word, Rand.
But...
I'm going to have to insist that you pass this up.
If you're insisting, then...
I'm sorry, Rand, but I do.
I understand.
So, uh...
I guess this means that I'll be here for Elsa's release.
Oh, I guess so.
I, uh...
I don't suppose there's any chance that you could come with us?
Oh, uh, well, I'll be there.
RAND: Val. VaI!
Come here.
I'm not gonna go. I made up my mind. No, I'm gonna stay.
Yeah? I'm staying.
Hi, Dad. Hi.
What are you doing here? Sure do get involved in your work.
I've been here for two days already. So have Azizi and Maleaka.
Oh, it's gotta be the uniform. It must be the uniform. I'm not that oblivious.
Oh, yes. Yes, I'm afraid you are. It's been very amusing to watch.
Look. Whose idea is this?
This is a clinic. People die here.
I don't think Gina's ready for this. David, David, look at her.
She has extraordinary patience and skill.
She is not a little girl anymore. Or haven't you noticed that either?
So you think you can handle having me as a coworker?
Absolutely. Actually, this is something I've been wanting you to do
for some time. Now, maybe you can get your boss
to give you a couple of days off to see Elsa set free.
Oh, Dad, I love Elsa, but duty calls.
Here you go, let me take these.
Well, I don't know what your schedule is-
I would love to.
Come on.
Come on. Get down. Elsa, come.
Right over there.
VAL: Elsa, come on. Come on.
RAND: It's not gonna work.
RAND: Come on. There you go.
Oh, boy.
Elsa.
VAL: Go, girl. RAND: Come on, Elsa.
[BARKING]
They're hurting her.
Are you gonna let them kill her?!
[GUN SHOOTS]
VAL: Elsa.
Geri.
It's nothing serious. It's just a few scratches.
They might have torn her to pieces.
I can't believe those runts were attacking a lion.
She smells of civilization. They knew she was an easy mark.
No. She wasn't easy. She put up a good fight untie...
Yeah, but it didn't work, and it's not going to work.
We go back to Shama tomorrow.
You promised three weeks.
What's the point of wasting more time?
The point is you promised. Three weeks is what we agreed on.
We still have 10 days left. A lot can happen in 10 days.
A deal is a deal.
All right.
I shouldn't have shot the gun. I wanted to.
Yeah, but you didn't. George is right.
In a zoo, she'd be safe.
That's the easiest way out for everybody.
I don't think it's the best for Elsa.
Elsa.
No, Elsa. Elsa!
This is unbearable. She has to hunt for her own food.
In the meantime, she's gonna starve to death.
If we feed her, we're sending her to a zoo.
You remind me of Elsa, Rand.
I miss her.
It's been three days.
Isn't that what we wanted?
Something may have happened.
She was weak from not having eaten.
What if something attacked her?
Or she's just starving. Okay, let's go look.
There! Just to the left.
It's her. Let me see, let me see.
Oh, yeah, that's her.
ALL: Yes!
Oh, man.
We need some symphony music.
[ROARS]
Complications.
Uh-oh.
Come on. Come on.
I think she's found a new home.
She's not the only one.
Let's go.
[DRUMS BEATING]
[CHEERING]
Subtitles by SDI Media Group