Product Details

• Actors: Paul Scofield, David Threlfall, Helen Mirren, Helen Pearce, Max Rennie
• Directors: Clive Rees
• Writers: Michael Morpurgo
• Producers: Alexander Myers, Geoffrey Wansell, Simon Channing Williams
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: May 19, 1993
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301661788
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,776 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drama Set Against a Natural and Historic Landscape, June 29, 2001

By 

David Shipp (Nevada, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Whales Came [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"When the Whales Came" is a must to see for anyone who likes nature, drama, folklore, history, and anything about Britain. Set on the remote island of Scylla, off Britain, the scenery of rolling water, sandy beaches, blue skies, and lush greenery is spectacular. The background music adds to the drama and sometimes sounds like noise being made by the whales themselves. The characters are lively, natural, and interesting and revolve around a hermit artist, the last surviving person from when the narwhal whales came the last time and were abused by the people of nearby Samson island, resulting in a curse. Two children, Daniel and Grace, befriend this "Birdman" hermit (Mr. Woodcock)and the drama is on. The movie is set during World War I and progresses from the early days of the war to the latter days and includes a happy surprise ending involving the children's fisherman father who goes off to fight for his country in France. This is a must see. Don't believe anyone who says they didn't like it. There is something for everyone in this film and adults and children alike will enjoy it.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is A Must Buy, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: When the Whales Came [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This movie is truly lovely. I rented it about 3 years ago ( under a different title "When Narwhals Cry") and have been searching for it ( without luck ) ever since. I don't know why the title changed - but I'm delighted to find the movie at last! Anyone with feelings for nature or the sea will love this movie. It will stay with you - like a fond memory of someting you love. Buy this movie - and please discount Leonard Maltin's review - I doubt if he personally watched this movie before entering the review in his book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, well-done 'on location' drama, ca WWI, November 20, 1998

By 

"walters1221" (University Place, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Whales Came [VHS] (VHS Tape)

David Souchet (PBS's "Poirot") finds himself in this production, sans moustache (yes that is him!). The director capatures the wild wind, water and landscape to perfectly match the melancholy of the presentation. The story must be followed carefully, however the 'mystery' of it all is revealed and comes to a happy ending.