Flipper (1963)

Sandy is distraught when, having saved Flipper by pulling out a spear, his father insists the dolphin be released. A grateful Flipper, however, returns the favor when Sandy is threatened by Sharks.

Director:

James B. Clark

Writers:

Ricou Browning (story), Jack Cowden (story),

Stars:

Chuck Connors, Luke Halpin, Connie Scott

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Chuck Connors	...	Porter Ricks
Luke Halpin	...	Sandy Ricks
Connie Scott	...	Kim Parker
Jane Rose	...	Hettie White
Joe Higgins	...	Mr. L.C. Porett
Robertson White	...	Mr. Abrams
George Applewhite	...	Sheriff Rogers
Kathleen Maguire	...	Martha Ricks
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mitzie	...	Flipper

Storyline

The Florida Keys have been hit by hard times of late. First, a red plague kills off much of the fish in the area. And second, Hurricane Hazel unexpectedly changes course to hit the Keys. Regardless, the Ricks family - fisherman father Po (short for Porter), wife Martha, their preteen son Sandy, and Sandy's pet pelican Pete - live in all its aspects by the sea, even during these hard times. When Sandy witnesses the accidental spearing of a dolphin, he, on his own, decides to find the dolphin to put it out of its misery. Upon finding the injured dolphin, Sandy, not having the heart to shoot him, decides instead to tow the dolphin home. With some care and love, Sandy and Martha nurse the dolphin back to health. Sandy wants to keep the dolphin, who he's named Flipper, but Po ultimately releases Flipper, who he sees as "the enemy": a creature who is on the hunt for whatever short supply of fish there are around the Keys. But Po learns that friends - what Flipper and Sandy are to each other...

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Plot Keywords:

dolphin | hurricane | famous song | motorboat | fishing | 

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Taglines:

The wonderful story of a boy and his amazing underwater friend!

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Genres:

Adventure | Family | Drama

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 1963 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aventure en Floride

Filming Locations:

Grassy Key, Florida, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ivan Tors Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in 1961.

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Goofs

The roman numeral copyright date at the end of the movie shows MCMXLIII which would be 1943. For 1963 it should be MCMLXIII.

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Quotes

Porter Ricks: [while scolding his son for being irresponsible] Are you growing up, or down?

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Connections

Followed by Flipper (1995)

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Soundtracks

"Flipper"
Written by 'By' Dunham and Henry Vars

User Reviews

When Sandy Met Flipper

Chuck Connors (as Porter Ricks) lives on the Florida coast, with his 12-year-old son Luke Halpin (as Sandy), and wife Kathleen Maguire (as Martha). Following a hurricane, son Halpin goes to bail out a dingy; and, he is startled when a dolphin jumps out - it's Flipper!

As it introduces an enduring franchise, the first "Flipper" effortlessly overcomes its flaws - mainly, parts that go on too long, and look more repetitive and ordinary in hindsight. The catchy theme song, for example, will soon be improved upon, and given its logical place over the credits. The film opens with an exciting hurricane, and features beautiful location and underwater photography throughout. If you know Flipper, the film offers many origin story "firsts", topped by the meeting of Sandy and Flipper. Pete the Pelican is around, along with many familiar elements. The Ricks family line-up is different, however - mother Maguire is present, but no Bud.

The "Flipper" character is played by "Mitzie", and others, undoubtedly. The "A Boy and His Dolphin" concept is terrific, and the Flipper character retains its integrity through ensuing years. Halpin is very cute, and seems to improve his performance over the run of the film; his cavorting scenes are charming. Mr. Connors and Ms. Maguire are great parents - they make up much more natural family than expected. Joe Higgins (who also appears in the next "Flipper") and Jane Rose (who also appears in the first "Dark Shadows") are among the supporting players. Note that Connors' friend, who dies during the hurricane, is mentioned as "not of our faith"; this add depths to the film.

******** Flipper (8/14/63) James B. Clark ~ Chuck Connors, Luke Halpin, Kathleen Maguire