Dolphin Tale (2011)

A story centered on the friendship between a boy and a dolphin whose tail was lost in a crab trap.

Director:

Charles Martin Smith

Writers:

Karen Janszen, Noam Dromi

Stars:

Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr.

4 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Harry Connick Jr.	...	Dr. Clay Haskett
Ashley Judd	...	Lorraine Nelson
Nathan Gamble	...	Sawyer Nelson
Kris Kristofferson	...	Reed Haskett
Cozi Zuehlsdorff	...	Hazel Haskett
Morgan Freeman	...	Dr. Cameron McCarthy
Austin Stowell	...	Kyle Connellan
Frances Sternhagen	...	Gloria Forrest
Austin Highsmith	...	Phoebe
Betsy Landin	...	Kat
Juliana Harkavy	...	Rebecca
Megan Lozicki	...	Brittany
Jim Fitzpatrick	...	Max Connellan
Kim Ostrenko	...	Alyce Connellan
Michael Roark	...	Donovan Peck

Storyline

A lonely and friendless boy finds and untangles a hurt dolphin that is caught in a crab trap. He becomes very attached to the dolphin when the tail must be taken off to save the dolphin's life. The boy believes the dolphin would be able to swim normally if it was given a prosthetic tail.

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Plot Keywords:

competition | bare chested male | father figure | beach | medical examination | 

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Taglines:

Inspired by the amazing true story of Winter

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild thematic elements

Did You Know?

Trivia

The gel / liner for Winter the dolphin - as well as Winter herself - is in fact REAL. It was not done with special effects and is actually Winter herself swimming around both without the prosthetic tail and with the prosthesis. Initially the aquarium had issues with keeping a prosthetic tail on her that was secure and comfortable. Because of this they reached out to a local medical manufacturer, ALPS South out of St. Petersburg, Florida partnered with Hanger Orthopedic Group and ALPS South developed the liner, specifically designed to comfortably and securely fit Winter's prosthetic tail.

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Goofs

Sawyer is wearing a short sleeve blue t-shirt when he jumps into the water after the relay race at the end of the movie. Once underwater, the shirt has long black sleeves. This indicates a passage of time.

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Quotes

Lorraine Nelson: Sawyer... I don't know what to say
Sawyer Nelson: Please mom, I'll do extra class credit next year, I"ll write a essay, I'll do anything you want
Lorraine Nelson: I believe you... I get... I get this... I mean, it's... it's amazing
[Sawyer pleading to his mom]
Lorraine Nelson: I'll talk to Mr. Doyle
Sawyer Nelson: YES, I love you... Thank you
Lorraine Nelson: You're welcome
[Sawyer runs to Hazel]
Sawyer Nelson: Hazel, she said, "yes"
Hazel Haskett: Yes!
[...]

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Alternate Versions

Also shown in 3D version.

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Connections

Referenced in Hart of Dixie: Family Tradition (2013)

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Soundtracks

World Gone Crazy
Written by Tom Johnston
Performed by The Doobie Brothers
Courtesy of DooBro Entertainment Corporation & HOR Records
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Really shows the beauty of Winter!

We have been visiting Winter for years. She is very special and this movie certainly captures her amazing spirit. With all the big names in this movie, Winter is a star. This movie was sweet and fun. I am easily bored by kids movies but this one kept me entertained and wanting more. My 10 year old who wears a prosthesis LOVED this movie. Winter has helped her understand she is not alone and Winter's "nothing's going to stop me" attitude is fully displayed.

I was concerned how my 13 year old son would like the movie. It's hard to impress him these days. But he loved it!! He said he can't wait to see it again! Definitely is a movie that is worth seeing in the theater. I also think this movie is totally worth the 3D money! The 3D was REALLY fun!!

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 September 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dolphin Tale

Filming Locations:

Admiral Farragut Academy, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$37,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,152,401, 25 September 2011

Gross USA:

$72,286,779

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$95,943,453

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcon Entertainment, Arc Productions, St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS (as Datasat Digital Sound)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1