Basically a kid's movie, so it is difficult to really trash it. As a children's film primarily, it's ok. As an adult film it is barely interesting. Terribly mistitled, this orca whale is NO threat to anybody. It isn't all that big either, maybe 12 feet long. The movie portrays this whale like a dolphin. The movie
was later released as "Namu, My Best Friend" (more accurate).
The soundtrack is pretty lame. The camerwork is very basic, tv like. The story is true, which is a plus. Marine biologist (Robert Lansing, veteran TV actor) studying the whale defends it from hostile native fishermen who believe their salmon industry is being threatened by the big fish.
Those familiar with Robert Lansing and John Anderson will recoginize them from dozens of 60's television and movie appearances. Anderson almost always plays a villain, as he does again in this "whale" of a movie.
Great for whale lovers, sea life lovers, kids and easily entertained adults. A family film first rate.
Directed by László Benedek
Produced by László Benedek, Lamar Boren, Ivan Tors
Written by Arthur Weiss
Starring
Robert Lansing ... Hank Donner (veteran tv actor)
John Anderson ... Joe Clausen (veteran Western actor)
Robin Mattson ... Lisa Rand
Richard Erdman ... Deke
Lee Meriwether ... Kate Rand
Joe Higgins ... Burt
Michael Shea ... Nick
Clara Tarte ... Carrie
Edwin Rochelle ... Charlie
Music by Samuel Matlovsky (original music), Tom Glazer (theme song)
Cinematography Lamar Boren
Editing by Erwin Dumbrille
Studio United Artists
Distributed by United Artists (theatrical), MGM Home Entertainment (video)
Release date(s) August 1966 (1966-08)
Running time 89 minutes
Country USA
Language English
December 22, 2010
