From Page to Picture – The Screenplay Behind Never Trust a Tiger

Never Trust a Tiger is a bold, cinematic adaptation of Char Valdez’s evocative novel, brought to life through a screenplay that balances grit, emotion, and wonder. Set in the early 1900s, the film follows young Marta Lundeen as she escapes rural hardship and discovers strength, sorrow, and purpose within the world of a traveling circus. The screenplay captures the nuance of Marta’s transformation — from farm girl to lion tamer — while enriching the supporting cast with layers of mysticism, conflict, and humanity. Each scene unspools like a vivid portrait, rooted in history yet pulsing with timeless themes: identity, ambition, and the cost of survival.