Victor Mature vs. Jackie the Lion--

In the list of full credits, Mel Koontz is named as the stunt double in the fight scene between Victor Mature's Samson and Jackie the Lion. Mel was Hollywood's top contact-animal trainer. His 3 Jackie lions were among the MGM logos. As an animal trainer, I learned this rule about contact lions--they are one-man animals. Another trainer, however experienced, cannot cue this trainer's lion. To try it tips the balance for the lion, and the next man will be killed. To shoot the fight sequence, Mel substituted trainer Pat Anthony to wrestle Jackie, in a rule proven by the exception. Pat's physicality was closer to Victor's, and his face is clearly seen during the tussle, with Mel just out of frame in case Jackie went off cue. When it came to naming who doubled Victor, Mel Koontz was credited, and Pat Anthony was not. Roger Smith - 6 March 2016