Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer (2018)

Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer (2018) poster

A story of the world's first female tiger trainer who claimed her love for her tigers was so great she wanted to die in the ring. Raised in poverty in Kentucky, Mabel Stark joined the circus in 1911 and became the first woman to train tigers, earning the center ring despite being told that women couldn't work the big cats. In a 57-year career, she headlined shows with Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey, survived multiple maulings and marriages, starred in Hollywood movies, and managed up to 20 cats by forming intimate relationships with each, rather than using the whip. Her life ended tragically just outside of Jungleland in Thousand Oaks, CA, and her legacy and the golden era of the American circus is recounted by former animal trailers, performers and historian Janet Davis, with Mabel's voice, from her memoir "Hold That Tiger", provided by Oscar ®-winner Melissa Leo.

Director: Leslie Zemeckis
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 93 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Editing: Evan Finn
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

circus, tiger

More Films by Director: Leslie Zemeckis
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer about?
A story of the world's first female tiger trainer who claimed her love for her tigers was so great she wanted to die in the ring. Raised in poverty in Kentucky, Mabel Stark joined the circus in 1911 and became the first woman to train tigers, earning the center ring despite being told that women couldn't work the big cats. In a 57-year career, she headlined shows with Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey, survived multiple maulings and marriages, starred in Hollywood movies, and managed up to 20 cats by forming intimate relationships with each, rather than using the whip. Her life ended tragically just outside of Jungleland in Thousand Oaks, CA, and her legacy and the golden era of the American circus is recounted by former animal trailers, performers and historian Janet Davis, with Mabel's voice, from her memoir "Hold That Tiger", provided by Oscar ®-winner Melissa Leo.
Who directed Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer?
Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer was directed by Leslie Zemeckis.
Who stars in Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer?
Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer stars Melissa Leo.
How long is Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer?
Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer has a runtime of 1h 33m (93 minutes).
What genre is Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer?
Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer is a Documentary film.