The Day of the Dolphin (1973)

Good start, but then it gets ruined

Good concept, poorly executed.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

In the picturesque Florida Keys, ambitious and brilliant marine biologist George C. Scott (as Jake Terrell) teaches a dolphin to speak English. Their vocabulary includes use and meaning of words like "shark", "love" and "liar". It does not comprehend the hypothetical "if". As he is assisted by beautifully bronzed wife Trish Van Devere (as Maggie), Mr. Scott feels the dolphin Alpha (aka "Fa") would be happier and more productive with a mate. Consequently, the researchers are joined by Beta (aka "Bea"). Sexually gratified, the dolphin couple is very happy. But there is an adjustment period, while the new dolphin assimilates into the family. They call Scott and his wife "Pa" and "Ma" with childlike affection. When sneaky humans like Paul Sorvino (as Curtis Mahoney) are informed about Scott's smart dolphins, we must consider using them in a nefarious plot...This is a strange collaboration between director Mike Nichols, actor Scott and writer Buck Henry. It is nicely staged, and lovingly photographed by William Fraker. Among many other classics, Mr. Fraker held the cameras for Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" (1968). Mr. Polanski was slated to direct "The Day of the Dolphin" in 1969, but left after the murder of his wife Sharon Tate and others by the (Charles) "Manson family"...The musical soundtrack, by Georges Delerue, is another strength. However, the story doesn't really come across very well. This is strange because the concept and evil plot are essentially good. By now, dolphins may actually be communicating with humans; probably, there are words and meaning they understand. It might have been more believable if Scott and his team understood their sounds, but having them "speak" is easier. While the concept is fine, the sound and demeanor of the dolphins is silly (rather than childlike, if that was the intention). Additionally, the manner in which dastardly characters arrive and execute their nasty plan is wearisome and unexciting... Interestingly, the Scotts kept loyal and attractive young assistant John David Carson (as Larry) for their next film project, "The Savage Is Loose" (1974), which turned the camera on human mating.***** The Day of the Dolphin (12/19/73) Mike Nichols ~ George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Paul Sorvino, John David Carson

It's hard to call this a terrible movie as it's so well made, but that's exactly what it is. Zero thrills and zero laughs add up to nothing. George C. Scott is a scientist who teaches a dolphin to speak. A shady group of men decides to exploit this and use the dolphin to assassinate the US president. The movie lumbers along for quite some time before that plot is exposed, making for a really boring time. Scott is fine and the supporting cast includes Paul Sorvino & Fritz Weaver. The stunning cinematography is by William A. Fraker. It's impossible to determine if this is meant to be a thriller or a satire. The script by Buck Henry is devoid of anything interesting at all. It's difficult to believe that Mike Nichols directed this.

And given the quality of this movie, no, I don't feel guilty about that joke. Apparently Roman Polanski had been working on this project years before, if only the studios had just let it die. It's terrible and tough to sit through, but interesting as a major car wreck. Mike Nichols seemed to be attempting a more simple and direct approach than in his flashy, counter culture hits- but the film is flat, the timing is off on just about everything. The music is terrible. It's just a wildly misguided project. Mike Nichols would have hits, but his days as an interesting director (and counter culture hero) were over. Scott would never give a great performance (as in "The Hospital") again and basically returned to TV.

Here's a creature feature from the early 1970's. George C Scott plays Dr Jake Terrell, a marine biologist who has taught a couple of dolphins to speak and understand English. It's a child's vocabulary with a pidgin dialect to suit their peculiar enunciation. Much of the movie entails his developing relationship with the animals and their slowly-dawning grasp of what is being asked. It's a bit like 'My Fair Lady', but with fins instead of songs. Soon the wrong kind of people hear about their achievements. It's 1973, so we're still talking cold-war spies and subterfuge, here. The good doctor realises that the animals are destined to pass from his custody. Very likely they'll be used as living torpedoes or something. There's only one option: to let them go. This movie ran the risk of being an absolute howl, but was saved from disaster by George C Scott. Yep; that's the same GCS who blew the silver screen to atoms with his towering portrayal of General Patton in 'Lust For Glory'. Here he is, with his face looking like it's been ground from granite, and a voice that sounds like the machine used for the task. To observe him betray moments of stricken regret is truly touching to see, all the more so for his typical appearance of such unshakable gravitas. He carries this movie on his shoulders. Which is just as well, because it couldn't otherwise stand on its own feet.Pretty Trish Van Der Vere plays his young 'trophy' wife, and brings nothing to the movie than the obvious. And the dolphins are, of course, as believable as you want them to be. The script is surprisingly intelligent. There's a memorable sentimental/romantic theme. And although there's no tiresome kids, it's the sort of feature they'll enjoy. Happily, there's also no bad language, no explicit sex and no graphic violence, making it great family viewing.The final parting is about as sad as any you will see in a movie, made all the more so by Scott's excellent portrayal of suppressed grief and the animals' incomprehension. You may laugh, but you'll feel guilty at the same time.Not much in the way of a sci-fi movie, hokum from the standpoint of wildlife and environment, but still a worthy vehicle for George C Scott's amazing talent. Recommended for that if for no other reason.