Themes: Sibling Relationships, Survival in the Wilderness, Death of a Parent
Main Cast: Celia Kaye, Larry Domasin, Ann Daniel, George Kennedy, Carlos Romero
Release Year: 1964
Country: US
Run Time: 93 minutes
Plot
Based on the popular children's story by Scott O'Dell, this family movie tells of the true adventures of a young Native American girl. After her father is killed by a malevolent white trapper, Karana (Celia Kaye) joins her community as they leave their island home in the Pacific to live on the mainland. Upon her departure, Karana realizes that her brother has been left behind. She immediately swims back to be with him and the two remain on the abandoned island. Though Karana is able to domesticate a wolf, her brother is not so fortunate with the animals and is killed by a pack of wild dogs. She is left to survive against the odds for several years before she has a chance to journey to the mainland herslelf. The adept cinematography of Leo Tover (Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Day the Earth Stood Still) greatly contributed to this outdoor adventure film as did appropriate music from prolific film composer Paul Sawtell. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
Review
The Island of the Blue Dolphins is based upon a beloved and quite popular children's novel, and it would be nice to report that the film version is as involving and memorable as its source material. Alas, Dolphins is at best a middling little adventure film, although it should be noted that children are much more likely to embrace it than adults. Even so, the film's slow pacing and paucity of genuine excitement will disappoint many members of its target audience. That a "girl growing up alone on a wild island" film lacks sufficient excitement may be surprising, but it demonstrates just how undistinguished James B. Clark's direction is. Celia Kaye does fairly well in the very demanding lead role, essentially carrying the film by herself. She lacks the dynamism that would give the film an extra spark, and she's not quite accomplished enough to have to shoulder the enormous acting burden asked of her, but overall, she acquits herself nicely. Leo Tover's cinematography is frequently gorgeous, and helps to create drama when the direction lags. Dolphins should have been a much better film, but there will be some children who will respond very favorably to its assets. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Hal Jon Norman - Kimki; Martin Garralaga - The Priest; Alex Montoya - Spanish Captain; Julie Payne - Lurai; Jon Alvar - Tainer; Junior - Rontu, the dog
Credit
Alexander Golitzen - Art Director, George C. Webb - Art Director, Paul Golitzen - Art Director, Rosemary Odell - Costume Designer, James B. Clark - Director, Ted Kent - Editor, Paul Sawtell - Composer (Music Score), Joseph E. Gershenson - Musical Direction/Supervision, Bud Westmore - Makeup, Jack Freeman - Makeup, Leo Tover - Cinematographer, Robert B. Radnitz - Producer, Edward Mull - Producer, Oliver Emert - Set Designer, Jane Klove - Screenwriter, Ted Sherdeman - Screenwriter, Scott O'Dell - Book Author
