When it debuted in 1963, this tale of a boy and his dolphin offered a novel approach to the old land-based formula featuring kids and canines. And Flipper made quite a splash, spawning not only a sequel the following year but also a television series that initially ran from 1964 to 1968. Recent efforts to revive the concept--a big-screen remake with Elijah Wood in 1995 and a syndicated TV series (1995-2000)--haven't been terribly successful, and the original now offers at best very modest returns. From today's perspective, the flaws are readily apparent: a script that's simplistic by any standard, wooden acting from the human cast members (including Chuck Connors as the boy's stern but loving father), a production that's low-tech in every department, pacing that seems very sluggish, and a theme song that's maddening when sung at great length by what sounds like an amateur children's chorus. The scenery in the Florida Keys is nice, and preschoolers will still get a kick out of Flipper's antics, but adults may well blanch at a movie in which the young hero informs a city girl who's vacationing along the coast as a storm approaches, “gee, you're lucky--a hurricane on your first visit!” It's doubtful that any resident of Florida would agree, especially this year. Presented with a decent if unexceptional transfer, the disc's extras include a Tom & Jerry cartoon set on the beach. Optional. [Note: the sequel Flipper's New Adventure is also available.] (F. Swietek)
Flipper
Warner, 90 min., G, DVD: $14.98 Volume 19, Issue 6
Flipper
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