Cheetah (1989)

An American boy and girl, spending six months in Kenya with their scientist parents adopt a cheetah, only to realize that they must set it loose so that it can learn to hunt and be free. ... See full summary »

Director:

Jeff Blyth

Writers:

Alan Caillou (book), John Cotter (screen story),

Stars:

Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Timothy Landfield

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Keith Coogan	...	Ted
Lucy Deakins	...	Susan
Timothy Landfield	...	Earl Johnson
Colin Mothupi	...	Morogo
Breon Gorman	...	Jean Johnson
Ka Vundla	...	Kipoin
Lydia Kigada	...	Lani
Kuldeep Bhakoo	...	Patel
Paul Onsongo	...	Abdallah
Anthony Baird	...	Nigel
Rory McGuinness	...	Larry
Rod Jacobsen	...	David
David Adido	...	Mwangi
Konga Mbandu	...	Police Captain
Martin Okello	...	Friendly Policeman

Storyline

An American boy and girl, spending six months in Kenya with their scientist parents adopt a cheetah, only to realize that they must set it loose so that it can learn to hunt and be free. However, when the animal is captured by poachers planning to race it against greyhounds, the two city kids, together with a young African goat herder they befriended, head off into the wild to rescue the cheetah.

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Plot Keywords:

cheetah | greyhound | poacher | kenya | african | 

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Genres:

Family | Adventure

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 August 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

A gepárd

Filming Locations:

Kenya

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$8,153,677 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Silver Screen Partners III, Walt Disney Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

User Reviews

Coogan in Africa

Los Angeles teenager Keith Coogan (as Ted Johnson) and pretty sister Lucy Deakins (as Susan) go to live in Kenya for six months. They befriend local goat-herder Colin Mothupi (as Morogo) and adopt a young cheetah after its mother is killed by poachers. Animals in captivity don't learn to hunt properly, and are therefore not easy to return to the wild. When it's time to leave, Mr. Coogan tries to teach "Cheetah" to hunt, but the cat hasn't a clue. Since this seems to be a relatively free-to-roam "outside" cat, you have to wonder if something else is wrong - but, probably, we're just supposed to go with the flow. Also strange is how Coogan and Ms. Deakins share a bedroom - but they seem mature enough to work out any awkwardness. Things get really hairy when poachers target "Cheetah" at the same time Coogan and company are scheduled to leave the continent. The story is far too simple, but the cast is likable and the African locations are very beautiful.

****** Cheetah (8/18/89) Jeff Blyth ~ Keith Coogan, Lucy Deakins, Colin Mothupi, Timothy Landfield