Whoever said dog is man's best friend never met Mij! Mij is a cute, cuddly pet shop otter who captures the heart of Graham Merill (Bill Travers). It doesn't take Graham long to realize that...
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Title: Ring of Bright Water (1969)
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1 win.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Bill Travers | ... | Graham Merrill | |
| Virginia McKenna | ... | Mary MacKenzie | |
| Peter Jeffrey | ... | Colin Wilcox | |
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Jameson Clark | ... | Storekeeper |
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Helena Gloag | ... | Flora |
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Willie Joss | ... | Lighthouse Keeper (as W. D. Joss) |
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Roddy McMillan | ... | Busdriver |
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Jean Taylor Smith | ... | Sarah (as Jean Taylor-Smith) |
| Christopher Benjamin | ... | London Fishmonger | |
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Kevin Collins | ... | Fisherman |
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Archie Duncan | ... | Road mender |
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June Ellis | ... | Barmaid |
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Philippa Gail | ... | Pet stall girl |
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Tommy Godfrey | ... | Ticket seller |
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Walter Hall | ||
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Whoever said dog is man's best friend never met Mij! Mij is a cute, cuddly pet shop otter who captures the heart of Graham Merill (Bill Travers). It doesn't take Graham long to realize that London is no place to raise a slippery otter. So he takes Mij to live in a ramshackle cottage on the coast of Scotland. Together they set out to explore the curious and magnificent natural wonders that surround their seaside home--from orphaned geese to tooth-less sharks. While Mij spends his days frolicking in the icy cold sea, Graham finds himself falling in love with the beautiful town doctor, Mary (Virginia McKenna). Before long, the three become inseparable friends. Written by Rone Barton Lokarr <sandbox2@netcom.com>
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The Stars of BORN FREE Shine Even Brighter See more »Parents Guide:
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Mary MacKenzie: Yes, but the cygnet was caught in the wire, you see.
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(Title Song)
Sung by Val Doonican
Lyric by Betty Botley
Music by Frank Cordell (uncredited)
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Based on the true story of Gavin Maxwell, who bought an otter in Iraq and brought it back to his home in Scotland, only to discover that this was a subspecies of otter not yet recorded. Maxwell gave his name to the new sub species' title: Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli. See more »Goofs
Shortly after moving into the cottage he heads off into the village. As he closes the otter flap he's wearing wellies. On the way down the hill he's in shoes, but when he arrives in the village he is back in welly boots. See more »Quotes
Graham Merrill: It could have broken your arm!Mary MacKenzie: Yes, but the cygnet was caught in the wire, you see.
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Soundtracks
Ring of Bright Water(Title Song)
Sung by Val Doonican
Lyric by Betty Botley
Music by Frank Cordell (uncredited)
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Details
Release Date:
14 May 1970 (Australia) See more »Also Known As:
A Baía do Homem Solitário See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1Contribute to This Page
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A very simple plot: man disaffected with London life decamps to the Scottish wilderness accompanied by the tame otter he rescued from a pet shop. In Scotland he meets a woman and their mutual appreciation of the countryside and love of the otter brings them together. The film has a very bittersweet ending as a tragedy gives birth to a creative endeavour.
The film is autobiographical being based on a true story available as a book of the same name. It is subtle and unassuming making the most of the characters given its simple plot. The footage of the otter - called Mij - is fantastic and if you were indifferent to otters before I am confident you will love them after watching Mij. The connection between the man, Graham (played by Bill Travers), and Mij is funny and poignant.
This is a gem of a film. It offers so much without any of the manipulations in which many modern films indulge. I was absorbed watching it and it has stayed with me since seeing it. I recommend this highly. Be warned it is upsetting and if you decide to show it to a child there may be tears.