Product Details

• Actors: Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern, Harry Carey Jr.
• Directors: Lindsay Anderson
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: USA
• VHS Release Date: January 26, 1999
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305214557
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #513,950 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Vincent Canby of The New York Times called The Whales of August "a cinema event." His generosity is understandable, given the film's main draw: two of the greatest actresses in movie history, whose careers extend back to the very beginnings of narrative. They are Lillian Gish and Bette Davis, and they are two of cinema's lovely, essential people... so it is painful to report that Mr. Canby's gallant review is not really justified by this trifle, a once-round-the-Golden Pond-lightly. Demanding Bette and dutiful Lillian are sisters living on the Maine coast; Vincent Price is a courtly suitor, and Ann Sothern and Harry Carey Jr. (the liveliest performers in the picture) are local folk. Directed by a great student of film, Lindsay Anderson (O Lucky Man!), the material is fatally soppy. In truth, this isn't a movie, it's a shrine to two giants in winter--well-intended, and best seen as a tribute. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite films, January 10, 2004

By 

C. Ball "An idea that is not dangerous is unw... (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Whales of August (DVD)

When I watched this as a young man of 20 I fell in love with it. It is not an action film. It is a beautiful story of deep characters as they find themselves having become old. It is a story of reclaiming yourself, even at the end of your days.

It is one of the last films of Bette Davis and Vincent Price. They gave magnificent performances that I still treasure. I have waited a long time for this to come on DVD!! One of my favorite quotes is from Bette Davis. She was told by her sister that "Memories fade with time." Bette, portraying her blind sister, proudly proclaims in her best Bette Davisness - "That has not been my experience!"

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DVD offers best presentation in years, October 12, 2003

By 

Brent Thompson (New London, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Whales of August (DVD)

As you can see from the earlier reviews, this movie is well-loved. This is the first time since its release in 1987 it can be seen in its original aspect ratio. This DVD also brings alive the colors of the Maine island where these actors gave their final film performances. The print does suffer from small imperfections but are not very noticable. Sound is an unenhanced stereo. The disc offers no extras other than chapter selection. It is too bad a little more effort was not put into a film that is significant to the filmographies of the stars. Overall, if you have seen this movie on cable and enjoyed the fine acting you will be impressed with the visual improvements this DVD brings.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A movie in its own class, September 26, 2005

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Thomas Lapins (Orlando, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Whales of August (DVD)

Great transfer and a great film. Lillian Gish's performance is a great insight for those who haven't reached their later years. She is wise and graceful, firm yet fair in her dealings with those around her and, especially, her difficult sister (Bette Davis). The story is of two sisters who have lived long and full lives now dealing with the realities of their advanced years and the remembrances of their long ago childhood spent in the very house on Cape Cod where Ms. Gish now lives. The dynamics between Gish and Davis reflects very real people. It is at times very tender and at times very tense. Yes, sisters yet very different human beings.

Vincent Price plays the older version of the part he played in 'Lauara.' He plays the sincere lady's man who has fallen on hard times, worn around the edges but one who can still charm the ladies.

The scenery is stunning. In fact, you can watch it for only the visuals. When this film is over one will not easily forget its impact and beauty. A keeper!