Product Details

• Actors: Chuck Connors, Luke Halpin, Connie Scott, Jane Rose, Joe Higgins
• Directors: James B. Clark
• Writers: Ricou Browning, Arthur Weiss, Jack Cowden
• Producers: Harry Redmond Jr., Ivan Tors, Ricou Browning
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Warner)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 87 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304546289
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,878 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Many kids might say their best friend is a puppy or a pony. But for 12-year-old Sandy, the most special pet of all is the exuberant dolphin he rescues and who returns the favor by rescuing Sandy from sharks.

The dolphin named Flipper first swam into the world's minds and hearts in this 1963 film starring Chuck Connors and Luke Halpin as Sandy (a role he would continue in the 1964-68 TV series that followed.) James B. Clark, a long-time family filmmaker whose credits include "Island of the Blue Dolphins" and "My Side of the Mountain," directs the story of hard times (Hurricane Hazel and its aftermath) and joy (Sandy's dolphin-powered rides through the waves). And two fins up for Mitzie, the animal star who plays flipper.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Flipper gets a great start, September 2, 2001

By 

jasenao (Dothan, Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flipper [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I grew up watching the Flipper TV series and it was always one of my favorites, so I couldn't wait to see the original movie that's humbly called "Flipper." It shows how Flipper earned his name and how he met his best friend named Sandy.

I liked this movie, but I don't like it as much as I like "Flipper's New Adventure." You won't see Flipper make any rescues this first time around, and he doesn't have the same 'voice' as he has in the series, but you will see the smart dolphin do plenty of tricks and show that he had a huge brain even in his first outing.

If you've ever liked the TV series or even if you haven't ever seen it, but you like dolphins or just good movies, I recommend getting "Flipper." It'd probably be especially good for kids of any age to watch, and possibly a good family movie. To make it short, it'd be a good buy.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic family fare..., April 26, 2003

By 

trebe - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Flipper [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The original Flipper movie is simple, and unpretentious tale that tickles the heartstrings. The story line is uncomplicated, with touches that keep it grounded in reality.

Chuck Connors, best known for playing Lucas McCain on "The Rifleman" TV program, is once again cast as a strong father figure. Here he is Porter Ricks, a fisherman trying to eek out a living, and support his wife (Kathleen Maguire) and young son Sandy (Luke Halpin). Life is very hard, as after surviving a hurricane, Porter must leave his family to repair his boat damaged in the storm.

While his father is away, Sandy is exploring the sea with some friends. A dolphin (Flipper), is shot with a spear by another boy in the party. The shooter is himself injured, and is taken away for medical attention. Sandy returns to the scene, with shotgun in hand, prepared to put the injured dolphin out of it's misery. Of course that can't happen, and Sandy brings the injured dolphin home.

Flipper's recovery is a most miraculous one, but the real story deals with the relationship between father and son, and the growth of the young man. Sandy is a good kid, but not syrupy sweet. Ricks loves his son, but is determined to have him face the realities of life. Thanks to Flipper, both father and son learn some valuable lessons in life.

The story of Flipper's origin, has a more serious tone than the TV program. Though it doesn't have a lot of warm and fuzzy moments, it is still fairly good family entertainment.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a great family movie., August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Flipper [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If you're looking for a wholesome adventure that the whole family can enjoy, then this is a good choice. The family portrayed here exhibits good family values--respect for each other and for authority, responsibility, and they even pray! I found nothing objectionable in this video for my 5-year-old and I'm not easy to please. I highly recommend this version over the more recent one.