Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

Absolutely Fantastic

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

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

If it weren't for Bogart and Bacall, Scott and Van Devere would be my all-time favorite acting couple. The two thespians are masters of their craft and have the uncanny knack of making an absurd motion picture tolerable by their acting abilities. The Day of the Dolphin is a perfect case in point.This absurd film focuses on an isolated marine research center operated by demanding, anti-social marine biologist/linguist expert Dr. Terrell (Scott) and his wife Maggie (Van Devere). They have effectively taught a dolphin named Alpha how to communicate in English. Once news of this slips out a secret, evil government agency wants the dolphins in order to assassinate an unpopular president. The dolphins will be outfitted with mines on their heads in order to swim undetected and plant said mines on the president's ship. Yes, the plot is that absurd.STORY: $ (The screenplay is terrible--simply put. This is supposed to be a thriller but there is a noticeable lack of tension throughout the entire film. When we're first introduced to Trish Van Devere's Maggie she is laid up in bed with a wounded leg having had a mishap with Alpha in the tank. This little ordeal is never even discussed the rest of the film, in fact Trish is perfectly fine the next time we see her and she never enters the tank with Alpha the rest of the run time. Also, when George C. Scott gets wise to the assassination plot, his boat runs low on gas and he must turn around and wait, hoping the dolphins don't follow through with their orders. This is a horrible screenplay with weak plot development and characterization).ACTING: $$$$ (What makes this film watchable are the strong performances by the leads. George C. Scott, who gets my vote for the greatest actor ever, shines as a cantankerous scientist who just wants to be left alone to do his research. He brings far more depth to this character than most actors could bring. Paul Sorvino shines as a shady freelance writer who seems to know more than he lets on. Trish Van Devere, who is an exceptional actress when given time to showcase her skills, has little to do because the screenwriter couldn't flesh out her character. All she is given is clichéd dialogue to set-up George C. Scott's characterization. Fritz Weaver is fine as George's financial backer and Edward Herrmann of LOST BOYS fame is fine in an early role. John David Carosn and Victoria Racimo do a solid job as youthful help at Scott's marine sanctuary).SEXUALITY: None

Our family hadn't seen this movie for a long time and so I decided to get my taped copy out (aired on Showtime in 1989) and was surprised to see the excellent film quality -- even though the tape was recorded in SLP. We enjoyed the movie very much. The beginning is a little slow but rest of the movie more than makes up for it. I loved the dolphins, I wish I knew more about how they made the movie -- I was looking for any trivia here at IMDb.com but didn't find any. I think children would really love the parts that involve the dolphins interacting with the "owner"/ humans (and fascinating) but this movie is NOT for children as there is violence toward humans and dolphin as well and it would be frightening for young ones. I feel it has a lot of different things to like. I can't say more without spoiling the story but I wish there was closed captioning for some of the dialog. We viewed this in Full Screen but the 2003 & 2006 DVD releases come in Wide Screen: 2.35:1 aspect ratio and I am sure the beautiful scenery benefits by it.

George C. Scott stars as a marine biologist who has taught two dolphins to communicate with humans in english. His project attracts the notice of a shadowy corporate sponsor, who then kidnaps the dolphins to perform an assassination-at-sea. The film is divided in two parts, both exploring the ethics of man's meddling with nature. Stunning photography, excellent supporting cast, superlative effort from Scott, whose deep personal investment in the film's subject is easily sensed.I saw this film in the theater in 1973 and thought it was one of the best I'd ever seen. I wasn't expecting a period action film or a potboiler-thriller and was pleasantly surprised to get neither. This is a thinking person's film, a modern-day Frankenstein which is made even more tragic because of the creator's love for what he has created. The conclusion of this film is uncompromising, and calls into question all animal experimentation. One of the best, and most important films to come out in my lifetime. See it.