USA | 102 min | PG | DCP | Dir. Noel Marshall
Roar began while Tippi Hedren and her husband/manager Noel Marshall were shooting in Africa. After wrapping production they toured several safari wildlife preserves and were struck by the scene of an abandoned plantation house overrun by a large pride of lions. The image took root and inspired the epic eleven-year journey to create Roar.
Due to their familiarity with the animals, the entire cast was comprised of Marshall, Hedren, their four children and a few seasoned animal trainers. Emerging European cinematographer Jan de Bont (Speed) was recruited to shoot the film, his first American production. What followed was five years of the most terrifying and dangerous filmmaking ever committed to celluloid. The cast and crew endured countless injuries, with over 70 bloody attacks documented.
When the movie finally debuted in 1981, Roar was deemed by Variety as the "most disaster-plagued film in the history of Hollywood.” Fortunately, the passage of time affords us the perspective to view Roar for what it truly is: the most epic and amazing animal thriller ever made. You’ve never seen a movie like Roar and there will never, ever be a movie like Roar again. -Tim League, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
