The Day of the Dolphin (1973)

A marine biologist teaches his dolphins to communicate in English but shady characters plan to kidnap the trained mammals for a more sinister purpose.

Director:

Mike Nichols

Writers:

Buck Henry (screenplay), Robert Merle (novel)

Stars:

George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Paul Sorvino

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George C. Scott	...	Jake Terrell
Trish Van Devere	...	Maggie Terrell
Paul Sorvino	...	Curtis Mahoney
John Dehner	...	Wallingford
Severn Darden	...	Schwinn
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Mrs. Rome
William Roerick	...	Dunhill
Phyllis Davis	...	Receptionist
Pat Zurica	...	First Mate
Jon Korkes	...	David
Edward Herrmann	...	Mike
Leslie Charleson	...	Maryanne
Victoria Racimo	...	Lana
John David Carson	...	Larry
Willie Myers	...	Stone (as Willie Meyers)

Storyline

Dr Jake Terrell, who has been training a pair of dolphins for many years, has had a breakthrough. He has taught his dolphins to speak and understand English, although they do have a limited vocabulary. When the dolphins are stolen, he discovers they're to be used in an assassination attempt. Now he is in a race to discover who is the target, and where the dolphins are, before the attempt is carried out.

---

Plot Keywords:

dolphin | assassination | bittersweet | compassion | yacht | 

---

Taglines:

A spine tingling tale that just might come true

---

Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

---

Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

On a 2019 episode of Conan, guest Tracy Morgan said this was his favorite movie.

---

Goofs

[All goofs for this title are spoilers.]

---

Quotes

Dr. Jake Terrell: They'll kill 'em.
Curtis Mahoney: Hmm?
Dr. Jake Terrell: They'll kill 'em, won't they?
Curtis Mahoney: Yes, of course they will.
Margaret 'Maggie' Terrell: Why?
Curtis Mahoney: They killed a man. Do you think they're going to get sentimental about a dolphin?
Margaret 'Maggie' Terrell: But, Jake, why? What - What would be the point of killing *them*?
Dr. Jake Terrell: Alpha can talk. We taught 'im, remember? He's a witness.

---

Connections

Referenced in Black & White (1999)

---

Soundtracks

Farewell
Written and Performed by Georges Delerue Et Son Orchestre

User Reviews

Everything I hate in a film-normally, but..........

Even though starring the great George C Scott this film is a bit of a non-starter. However I have to admit that it is the only film that I have seen in all of my 40 yrs that has managed to reduce me to tears. I challenge anyone to watch the final scenes and not be at least a little moved. Although the story is very simple and does little to encourage Scott-or any of the cast- to 'act their heart out', it shows both humans and dolphins as they are. Humans as sly and cunning and dolphins as naive and trusting, and this is what hurts at the end of the film, when................. Well why spoil it, it may be shown on t.v again, one day.

If anyone knows how I might get a copy of the film (for my kid's-honest), please could they contact me through the e-mail supplied. Ta Ta. (Or is that 'Ka Ka'?) Bob O'Sullivan. Southend-on-Sea, England.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 1974 (France)

Also Known As:

The Day of the Dolphin

Filming Locations:

Abaco Island, Bahamas

Box Office

Budget:

$8,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$2,300,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,300,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

AVCO Embassy Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1