Mighty Joe Young

Seven-year-old Jill Young lives a solitary life on her father's farm in Africa. She yearns for companionship and finds an opportunity to barter for a pet, which leads her to acquire a baby gorilla.

Twelve years pass and Jill has grown up alongside the gorilla, whom she named Joe. Their bond deepens as they navigate Jill's teenage years on the farm.

In New York, nightclub entrepreneur Max O'Hara devises a plan to open an African-themed nightclub in Hollywood. He envisions featuring exotic acts, including a cowboy who can lasso wild animals.

Gregg Johnson, a cowboy and former rodeo champion, approaches O'Hara with a desire to join him in Africa. O'Hara agrees, excited by the potential for thrilling acts in his nightclub.

Upon arriving in Africa, O'Hara's team spots the grown gorilla, Joe, on Jill's farm. Ignoring local warnings, they attempt to rope him, leading to an unexpected display of Joe's immense strength.

As chaos unfolds, nineteen-year-old Jill arrives and commands Joe to stop, demonstrating her unique connection with him. O'Hara witnesses this bond and realizes he wants Jill to star in his nightclub.

Jill and Joe make their debut on opening night at O'Hara's nightclub. The performance features Jill playing Joe's favorite tune, while he showcases his strength by lifting her and the grand piano.

The nightclub experiences initial success with thrilling acts, including a tug-of-war between Joe and a group of strongmen. However, as time goes on, the novelty begins to wear off.

Joe is confined to a cage, which affects both his and Jill's wellbeing. Feeling trapped and despondent, Jill confides in Gregg about her struggles as time passes.

An ill-fated organ-grinder act leads to chaos when drunks sneak backstage and force alcohol on Joe. In a fit of rage, Joe breaks loose, prompting a court to order him to be shot.

With Joe's life at stake, O'Hara devises a daring escape plan. He feigns illness to distract the guard, allowing Jill to free Joe from captivity.

As they attempt to escape with Joe in a moving van, they are pursued by the police. Tensions run high as O'Hara delays the authorities while Jill and Joe make their getaway.

In a climactic moment, Jill and Gregg save two children trapped in a burning orphanage. Joe’s instinctual bravery shines through as he climbs a tree to rescue a girl caught on a parapet.

After saving the children, Joe falls from the tree but survives. An unknown voice assures Jill that Joe will not be harmed, highlighting their enduring friendship and Joe's heroism.

In the epilogue, O'Hara reflects on his film of Jill and Joe's heroic feats. He concludes that they belong back in Africa, symbolizing the release of both Jill and Joe from their captive lives.