The Day of the Dolphin (1973)

*Spoiler/plot- Day of the Dolphin, 1973. Two scientists corporate on deciphering and learning the dolphin's language. Their patron corporation decides to mis-use the dolphins for a political murder.*Special Stars- George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Paul Sorvino.*Theme- Corportations are evil.*Trivia/location/goofs- Screenwriter Buck Henry provides the voices of the dolphins when they speak human words. The trained dolphins who played Alpha and Beta were actually named Buck (for screenwriter Buck Henry) and Ginger (for dancer Ginger Rogers). On the next to the last day of filming, when their parts were done, they escaped and never returned. It was almost if they knew that for their roles it was a wrap.*Emotion- A charming film in the beginning for the scientific exploration of language and dolphin research. Unfortunately, the film plot gets cheaply tainted by political and corporate greed.*Based On- Cold War paranoid views of the global corporations international war actions.

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

This is a horrible movie. The plot is so fantastic and absurd, that talking dolphins is one of the more plausible aspects of it. I normally like George C. Scott - but not even he could save this turkey. The movie can't decide if it is an environmental morality play, a cloak-and-dagger thriller, or a farce. If had gone all out with farce, it may have succeeded, but it takes itself far too seriously. The "bad guys" are so wooden, the Sorvino character morphs around from one kind of character to another - just like that with no explanation, a ridiculous killing thrown in for no apparent reason, with extra effort to make it even more improbable. Some of the moments that the other reviewers liked, for me fell flat. Example - GCS's caressing of the dolphin in the tank creeped me out and seemed to suggest sexuality. I almost cried out - UNHAND THAT YOUNG LADY - uh, I mean dolphin. The whole idea that a dolphin could be a witness to a crime (thus causing the criminal to undertake ludicrous measures) is so flat out idiotic, I don't know what is any more far fetched. Do yourself a favor and watch one of the really bad movies from the last decade or so, if you want to watch something really idiotic. At least the hair styles and lapels won't add to the hilarity.

One of my favorite films that really brings out your emotions especially in the end also accompanied with a great musical score. One of George C. Scott's many great portrayals and just simply beautiful.