Androcles and the Lion

1953 comedy starring Alan Young as Androcles, a Christian in ancient Rome. Androcles is a slave on the run from the Roman Empire when he comes across an injured lion.

He assists the lion but is later caught by the Roman guards and is to be thrown to the lions in the colosseum.

However, when the lions are released, one of the pack turns out to be the lion he helped, who recognises him and man and beast greet each other affectionately.

Jean Simmons and Victor Mature co-star.