Mighty Joe Young (1949)

In the heart of Africa, a young girl named Jill Young surrenders to an irresistible trade - a baby gorilla exchanged with two natives. A connection forms, a bond nurtures, and this animal, Joseph "Joe" Young, becomes her world. As the years slide past, the baby gorilla grows into a magnificent, towering creature under Jill's gentle care. Meanwhile, across the ocean, the charming and silver-tongued promoter, Max O'Hara, has a vision. He dreams up a spectacle for his new Hollywood nightclub, an attraction that will leave his audience breathless. Alongside the rugged Oklahoma cowboy, Gregg, he embarks on an African safari, a hunt for the extraordinary to dazzle his patrons. They manage to capture several lions, but the sight of Joe, the colossal gorilla, leaves them awestruck, and they are soon overcome with a greedy desire to capture him too. However, Jill, now a young woman, fiercely protects Joe, thwarting their initial attempts. But Max, skilled in persuasion, paints a picture of a glamorous life in Hollywood, and Jill, reluctantly, signs a contract. Joseph "Joe" Young becomes the star attraction of Max's nightclub, a spectacle under the harsh, unforgiving spotlight. The dream metamorphoses into a nightmare, as Jill realizes the cruelty of Joe's new-found fame. She appeals to Max, pleading to return Joe to his African home, but her pleas fall on deaf ears. When three drunken patrons push the limits, feeding Joe alcohol, the mighty gorilla unleashes his wrath, causing havoc and destruction. Faced with the consequence of his actions, Joe is sentenced by the law to be sacrificed. As the clock ticks, Jill, Gregg, and even Max must race against time to save Joe. Will they manage to beat the odds, or will Hollywood claim its tragic victim? The tale of Mighty Joe Young is a riveting journey of friendship, exploitation, and a desperate fight for freedom.

Mighty Joe Young is an action movie featuring Terry Moore.

It is possible to buy Mighty Joe Young on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.