Island of the Blue Dolphins | |
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Theatrical release poster
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Directed by | James B. Clark |
Produced by | Robert B. Radnitz |
Screenplay by | Jane Klove Ted Sherdeman |
Based on |
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell |
Starring |
Celia Kaye Larry Domasin Ann Daniel Carlos Romero George Kennedy Hal John Norman |
Music by | Paul Sawtell |
Cinematography | Leo Tover |
Edited by | Ted J. Kent |
Production
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Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date
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Running time
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93 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Island of the Blue Dolphins is a 1964 American drama film directed by James B. Clark and written by Jane Klove and Ted Sherdeman. It is based on the 1960 novel Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. The film stars Celia Kaye, Larry Domasin, Ann Daniel, Carlos Romero, George Kennedy and Hal John Norman. The film was released on July 3, 1964, by Universal Pictures.
In 1835, a group of white hunters, named the Aluets, slayed most of an Indian tribe at Ghalas-at inhabiting an island off California, forcing the survivors to flee the island. Young Karana, realizing that her 6-year-old brother, Ramo, has been left behind, returns to the island. Karana and Ramo are left alone, menaced by a pack of wild dogs. The most ferocious of the dogs kills Ramo, and Karana teaches herself archery and hunts the dog. She puts an arrow in its chest but then takes pity on the animal and nurses it back to health.
She and the dog, whom she names Rontu, become fast friends. When another group of hunters come to the island, Karana hides, and although Tutok, a girl in the group, finds her and tries to befriend her, Karana refuses to trust anyone. Years pass, and Rontu dies of age. Karana finds a wild dog, that looks like the son of Rontu, and names him Rontu-Aru which means,son of Rontu. Later, a boat carrying a missionary arrives, and this time Karana decides to trust the strangers. Taking her animals, Rontu-Aru, an otter, and some wild birds she has taught to never leave her, she leaves the island.