The Day of the Dolphin
The Day of the Dolphin

Movie spotlight

The Day of the Dolphin

1973
Movie
105 min
English

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

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes30%
Google Users64%
Director: Mike NicholsGenres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Dr. Jake Terrell, a scientist dedicated to communicating with dolphins, develops a way for them to mimic human speech. His research attracts the attention of nefarious individuals who plan to exploit his discoveries for political gain. Terrell and his wife, Maggie, must race against time to protect their work and the dolphins from falling into the wrong hands.

Critical Reception

The Day of the Dolphin received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics finding its premise intriguing but its execution flawed and its political thriller elements unconvincing. Despite its high-profile director and cast, the film failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film's concept of communicating with dolphins is innovative, but the narrative devolves into a predictable and unengaging thriller.

  • George C. Scott delivers a commendable performance, but it's not enough to salvage the muddled plot and uneven tone.

  • While visually interesting, the movie struggles with pacing and a lack of satisfying thematic resolution.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film's premise interesting, with many appreciating the scientific concept. However, a significant portion of reviews point to a confusing plot and a disappointing conclusion, suggesting it didn't live up to its potential.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Sound.

Fun Fact

The dolphins in the film were voiced by actor Dayton L. Smith, who spent time learning dolphin sounds and then imitated them.

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