In 1895, the animal story "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was published. Walt Disney adapted the story for one of his most successful films. This Disney film, the last one in which Walt Disney was personally involved, was directed by German-born Wolfgang Reithermann. The foundling Mogli grows up with a wolf family. When news of the return of the dreaded tiger Shir Khan spreads, Mogli's animal friends decide that Bagheera the panther should take the boy to the nearest human settlement. An exciting musical adventure begins with the fun-loving bear Baloo, King Louie and the swinging monkey dance, a pompous elephant parade, singing vultures and the hypnotic snake Kaa. Mowgli is saved from Shir Khan by Baloo at the last second and has to realize that he doesn't only have friends in the jungle.