Plot

Based on the much anthologized American short story, The Lady and the Tiger centers around a young princess who faces a difficult dilemma when her boyfriend is accused of a crime and is thrust into her kingdom's unique system of justice. Does she allow the gods to determine his fate, or is her love so strong that she yields to the temptation of corrupting the truth?

In the faraway kingdom of The Lady and the Tiger, justice is determined in a unique way. If the King himself cannot ascertain a prisoner's guilt, then the accused is brought before two doors and forced to make a choice in front of everyone. Each door represents either innocence or guilt. People of the kingdom believe the gods will lead the accused to pick whichever door holds the truth: did he commit the crime or not?

Behind one door is a ferocious hungry tiger. The prisoner opening this door is presumed guilty, and the tiger will deliver swift justice. If the man is innocent, the gods will lead him to the other door, where a beautiful maiden awaits. When that happens, the King will come down to the stage and marry the couple with his full blessing and a dowry of gold for the couple to start their new lives together.

Our story begins when a respected teacher receives a request from the King to instruct his only child, the Princess. Under the teacher's guidance, the young Princess quickly transforms from a spoiled child to an educated but lonely young woman trapped in a castle. She eagerly awaits her coming-of-age ceremony, where she will be formally introduced to the outside world. The Royal Dressmaker, Baba Tanya, is assigned to create a gown for the Princess which is worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Baba Tanya decides that the task needs the perspective of her young protege, Corinne, who is the same age as the Princess, ensuring that the result will have a more youthful sensibility. The venerable dressmaker also believes the Princess and her protege will become fast friends since they share many personality traits and even the same birthday.

Across town, a young man arrives in the city. He is idealistic and humble. His primary goal is to make a living and send money back to his family. He secures an apprentice-level job as a Blacksmith -- in a shop not too far from the Royal Dressmaker.

Unknown to the Princess, her father the King has been diagnosed with a fatal disease. The King, realizing their land has never been ruled by a woman, strikes a deal with his council: the Princess will be recognized as their ruling monarch under the condition that when she's ready to take a husband, she will marry one of the council's sons. The King is quick to point out to the council that his daughter will choose her mate only when she is ready and wants to get married. The Council agrees, but the King does not tell his daughter about this agreement nor his illness. It's not the right time.

The night of the coming-of-age ceremony for the Princess finally arrives. Baba Tanya is looking forward to seeing the Princess don the beautiful dress. Corinne, however, is not interested in the event and declines to attend. She's planned a rendezvous with her secret lover. It is, after all, Corinne's birthday, too.

Once the palace ceremony is complete, the Princess attempts to tour the city and its nightlife anonymously. She is quickly recognized by people of the kingdom and is forced to remove her disguise. The Princess revels in her new-found fame, but ends up as fodder for the tabloids because of the late night celebration.

Back at the palace, the Princess's long-time teacher is not pleased with her public behavior. She offers to atone with some public appearances, accompanied by the Royal Guard, which she suggests will show her in a better light. The teacher readily agrees.

The Princess initially obliges and visits a variety of schools on a goodwill tour, but her social philanthropy gives way to personal temptation. She escapes the watchful eye of her Guard, removes her tiara, and makes her way to the mysterious pyramid -- where she meets and falls in love with a young man. Little does the Princess know that her father has promised her hand in marriage, nor does she realize that -- in this blossoming romance with the boy -- she is about to create an enemy who will haunt her forever.