Flipper - The Original Series, Season 1

Amazon.com

A 1964 television spin-off from the 1963 movie Flipper, Flipper--Season One is an adventure series that features extensive underwater photography and intriguing story lines involving a widowed park ranger, his two sons, and a clever dolphin named Flipper. This first season of Flipper finds brothers Sandy (Luke Halpin) and Bud (Tommy Norden), their father Park Ranger Porter Ricks (Brian Kelly), and their dolphin Flipper posted at the Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve where they're charged with upholding the law and responding to a variety of predicaments ranging from divers injured by shark attacks, to protecting visitors from incoming hurricanes, rescuing zoo animals from a sinking ship, and fighting congressional battles for continued funding to ensure the very existence of their marine preserve. While Bud's and Sandy's impulsiveness sometimes get them into trouble, the boys and their father can be counted upon to remain clear-headed in times of crisis. More often than not, though, it's Flipper who fulfills the most crucial role in any given rescue attempt. Guest stars are numerous and include Andy Devine, Margaret Hayes, Dan Chandler, and Ric Applewhite. The underwater photography of marine life was cutting-edge in 1964 and holds up well to this day, providing a fascinating look at trained and instinctive dolphin behavior and marine ecosystems and, while some of the story lines may seem a bit dated to today's audiences, the bigger issues like marine preservation and doing what is right still ring true. Childhood adventure, peril, and suspense pervade each of the 30 half-hour episodes in this first season. Flipper--Season One promises to leave adults born in the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties reminiscing fondly about their own childhoods and humming the Flipper theme song--what's more, their children (and perhaps grandchildren) will enjoy the program right alongside them and are more than likely to join in wholeheartedly on the refrain "Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightning. . . ." (Ages 5 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

They call him Flipper, Flipper, King of the Sea… Now for the first time, he's on DVD! Plunge into an undersea world of fun and excitement with Flipper and his pals Bud and Sandy Ricks, and their dad Porter, the chief ranger at Florida's Coral Key Park. Bring home this aquatic adventure, and relive a classic splash from the past with this family favorite!

Customer Reviews:

Good Clean TV and the Happiest Theme Song Ever!.......2007-09-09

As a little girl with two older brothers, I used to watch Flipper and wish that I could trade my brothers for Bud and Sandy and live on the beach with a pet dolphin! I have been asking my husband for a couple of years now, "Why don't they play Flipper reruns on TV Land? They play everything else." Now, as a mother of a ten month old, I was soo excited to see Season One on DVD!! Like everyone else, I can't wait for Season Two, and am so glad that my child will have something clean to watch.

Flipper's my Friend.......2007-09-01

As avid SCUBA divers, the underwater scenes in "Flipper" bring back a lot of fond memories. We encountered dolphins in the Bahamas a few years ago, and they are amazing animals. "Flipper" doesn't even scratch the surface of what these creatures can do.

Good Family Entertainment.......2007-08-31

What can one say about this show? My assessment is a mixed bag. On the one hand I think highly of the show's setting, the characters, and the basic premise. On the other hand, I feel that it is lacking in some way. Flipper is about Porter Ricks, a park ranger in Coral Key Park, Florida, and his two sons, Sandy and Bud. The show chronicles the various adventures of living in the park and how Flipper always finds a way to rescue people and/or persuade people with his charm. I had high hopes for Flipper because overall it embodies many of the attributes I like to see on television: honesty, loyalty, hard work, courage, leadership, and a nurturing family environment. The production values are pretty good for the time. The underwater photography is really good. Overall the show seems to have the correct recipe for success. When the show debuted in 1964, it finished number 25 in the TV ratings. The following two seasons did not place in the top 25. The main problem I have with the show is the script writing. I know that I might ruffle some feathers with the Flipper fans but some of the stories are not that entertaining and some are just downright silly. I think the overall plots are good but something happened between the concept stage and the script writing phase. Don't get me wrong, the Flipper shows are much better than the garbage seen on television today. However, some episodes seem to drag on and lose the interest of my children. On the flipside, there are some episodes that are action-packed and very suspenseful and they keep my kids riveted to the TV screen. There are far more good episodes than bad ones. Because of this inconsistency I can't give Flipper 5 stars. Since the overall production values are good and the theme of the show highlights good morals and values, it doesn't deserve a rating as low as 3 stars either. Therefore, I am giving Flipper 4 stars. It's not a classic but it is well worth the money and I recommend it.

Ready for more, already!.......2007-08-21

The suspense is killing me! Everyone knows what a great series the original "Flipper" was and still is. There's hardly any need to do a persuasive write-up on that note. The first season DVDs were very well done, sure to please the most discriminating viewer (although single-sided DVDs would have definitely been preferable and appreciated).
But, what I want to know is, how much longer does the world have to wait for season two to be released?! Yes, it's THAT good!
Please hurry!

Best way to avoid todays PC television shows.......2007-08-13

Great DVDs and a great classic show. Television today is definetly influenced by PC organizations.Letting your children watch tv from the 60's such as Flipper, is the best way to avoid todays PC television shows.

Average customer rating:

After Sea World...Flipper
Flipper
flipper 1996 the movie is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This chemistry just didn't work for me.
4 year olds love it!

Flipper
Starring: Elijah Wood , Paul Hogan , Jonathan Banks , Robert Deacon , and Ann Carey
Director: Alan Shapiro
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000VV512
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Amazon.com

The 1963 film that inspired a popular television series about a chatty, lovable dolphin gets a sunny makeover in this 1996 update. Elijah Wood plays Sandy, a bleak adolescent from Chicago struggling with the recent divorce of his parents and wanting only to immerse himself in familiar comforts. Instead, Sandy is sent to Coral Key, an island off Australia, to spend a summer with his Uncle Porter (Paul Hogan), a benevolent old fisherman. The sights and pleasures of the island, including a pretty neighbor named Kim (Jessica Wesson), aren't enough to shake off Sandy's gloomy outlook. But when he meets Flipper while boating with Porter, his morale improves considerably, then gets another boost when Flipper develops a loyal attachment to him. A subplot about a crooked charter-boat company dumping toxic waste off the coast feels like a necessary evil, just to give the screenwriter something to do. Other than that, the film is quite fun and charming, and Hogan is a pleasure to see with his cracker-barrel wisdom. Great fun all around for ages 6 and up. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

After Sea World...Flipper.......2007-09-09

We took our grandsons to Sea World this summer...when we came home, the 4 year old kept talking about the Dolphin. So I "re-found" Flipper at Amazon...and all the kids are delighted!!!

Flipper.......2007-09-07

A delightful movie that I enjoyed watching with a friend. I am looking forward to sharing it with my grandchildren, ages 3 & 6.

flipper 1996 the movie is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-12

I mean it from my heart when I say i've never seen a more beautiful movie!
I love dolphins, and I'm gonna be a dolphin trainer. THIS movie inspired me so much. It's awesome! and there is so many times during this movie I cry! because it's so touching! especially when sandy and flipper becomes friends and swim together for the first time!
and when sandy tells him to go back to his family...that is so touching!!!
Elijah looks hot aswell:)

EVERYTHING IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!

This chemistry just didn't work for me........2007-06-08

I was alive when I saw the original movie released that lead to the TV series starring Luke Halpin and Tommy Norden. I bought this film simply because I have loved Paul Hogan's work and adore Elijah Wood. So I took a chance.

In merit to this film and its premise, this film's take off of "Flipper" shows a more disfunctional family approach to the Ricks family we see in the old 1960's TV series. Elijah Wood, who plays Sandy in this film, is sent to stay with Ranger Ricks for one summer. You presume Sandy's mother can not take care of him for the summer, while she pays Porter Ricks, played by Paul Hogan; $100 a week to take care of the boy. I don't know who can get by on $100 a week these days let alone in 2003 when this film was made. Porter Ricks living conditions are quite a far cry from the clean environment and ethics taught in the old 1965 tv series. Since this film is drawing from the original characters created from the 1965 series, it makes sense to make a rough comparison. This film in other words can not just be judged for its own merits alone, since it draws from the old 60's Tv series in premise.

There is no sign of Bud in this film or hint to a sequel that might introduce him and frankly, it was the relationship between Flipper and Bud that made the old 1960's tv series work so well. Tommy Norden was not only a cute kid to watch, but had a fabulous personality as a young actor.

The character development in this film needed allot of work, not to mention somekind of decent story line. In the opening, Sandy and Porter Ricks seem distant from each other and don't really seem that much closer by the time it all reaches the end of the film.

Flipper appears into this half hazardly via Sandy witnessing some fishermen killing Flipper's mother and, for some reason, Flipper is drawn to Sandy after roaming the oceans with no pod or family. How he finds Sandy isn't clear either when there is no earthly way a dolphin, as intelligent as Flipper, could have known where Sandy lived.

I liked that Flipper tracked Sandy down in his lonliness, but it would have made more sense if Sandy had tried to rescue Flipper from the gunman, who shot Flipper's mother, which caused this bonding to take place, while leaving a clue for the dolphin to find Sandy. You really have no idea why flipper is drawn to Sandy, other than the fact that Flipper gets lonily, in need of a family, and magically tracks him down.

The dolphin in this movie is cute; that goes without saying. Makes me think of the mechanical dolphin, named Darwin, they used in SeaQuest.

I think this film would have had allot more going for it, if they had simply worked to create somekind of story that brings Ricks, Sandy and Flipper together via stuggle and need for each other. It seems the story was trying to do that along the way, but kept missing.

Frankly, this story really does not go anywhere and that's ashame. You can read other reviews to get some idea of what the story is about. Otherwise I think the chemistry between Paul Hogan, as an actor, and Elijah Wood, as an actor, could have really worked in this film. They both are excellent actors when it comes down to it. It just seems the whole thing was slapped together with the idea in mind; "This will sell, everyone loves Flipper", but we also like a good story or it doesn't work.

Also, as long as the character "Sandy" was going to be used in this remake, it makes no sense to take away Bud from the family profile; given this film is drawing from the original work of the original film and tv series of the 1960's.

Cinematography wise; this film is done well, but I can see why it would have been hard to even make a sequel with this, simply because the story really goes no where or at least in a direction that might even suggest a sequel.

I felt very lost at the end when Sandy goes home at summer's end to be with his mom: At least you think it is his mom, even though that isn't made clear in the script. He's allowed to come back next summer to visit Porter Ricks, but the whole thing just comes apart with this type of ending when you consider the original premise of the Ricks family of the 1960's and that they were a family. You don't see that happening here, even though the writer is drawing from the old 1960's series. Too bad.

I hate to give anything a number 2 rating. Can't imagine how anyone could have blown it with something as delightful as Flipper, but this one really isn't worth your money. It's more a rental film or something to pass your time when nothing else is on tv to watch.

4 year olds love it!.......2006-10-25

My four year old daughter is in love with this film. We rented it from the library and she asked to "own" it so I ordered her one for a Christmas present. Yes a dolphin does get shot in the beginning but you don't actually see the animal get hit, (an older child would be able to put it together)but a hammerhead shark does eat a seagull and there is blood involved. But otherwise this is a fun, lighthearted movie.

Average customer rating:

Classic Marine Adventure Story
Good family entertainment
#1 Flipper Fan

Flipper / Flipper's New Adventure
Starring: Chuck Connors , Luke Halpin , Connie Scott , Jane Rose , and Joe Higgins
Director: James B. Clark , and Leon Benson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000BPL2G0
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Description

The dolphin named Flipper swam into the world's awareness in this 1963 film about 12-year-old Sandy (Luke Halpin, a star in the 1964-'68 Flipper TV series) and the sea mammal he rescues and befriends. Chuck Connors (TV's The Rifleman) also stars in the two-fins-up tale that includes the fierce landfall of Hurricane Hazel. Halpin returns as Sandy in Flipper's New Adventure, setting out with his finned friend to find a new home after the boy hears plans to place the dolphin in the Miami Seaquarium. Their risky trek takes them to a remote isle and sets the stage for a heroic rescue of a castaway family. Adventure ahoy!

Customer Reviews:

Classic Marine Adventure Story.......2007-08-16

The double feature DVD contains all the features of the two individual movies at about the same price as either. This is the disc to buy if you take an interest in the stories.

Luke Halpin stars in both films as Sandy Ricks, the Florida Keys teen who befriends a dolphin, Flipper.

In "Flipper", Sandy's father, Porter Ricks, is having a tough time as a fisherman. Between Red Tide and hurricane damage, cash is tight. Setting the stage, Porter tells Sandy the ancient Greek legend of a dolphin rescuing a boy named Arion from the sea. While Porter is away, Sandy goes spearfishing with some friends. When Flipper and one spearfisher each get injured, Sandy helps out. When Porter returns, friendly Flipper is doing tricks for Sandy. Is Flipper a devourer of Ricks family income? Does the Arion story get reenacted? Is Flipper a keeper? The movie goes to its expected happy ending.

The movie and the resultant TV series were so popular that "Flipper's New Adventure" was created. The state of Florida has plans to develop the area. Flipper has to go. Sandy decides to flee in a motorboat, to accompany Flipper out into nearby Caribbean island waters. The two find a deserted island paradise. Then a group of escaped criminals hijack a large sailboat, marooning three English women on the island. Sandy makes cautious friends with Penny Hopewell (played by Pamela Franklin), while keeping hidden from the others. Then the criminals sail back. What can Flipper and Sandy do? There is another happy ending.

These are both enjoyable family movies. The Elijah Wood "Flipper" is good too.

Good family entertainment.......2007-08-01

I love letting my 4-year-old watch movies that I saw as a kid. They're so much more appropriate, and this one is no exception. A very entertaining movie.

#1 Flipper Fan.......2007-05-08

Flipper's movies and the tv series are also my favorites. The dolphin and the boy are so loving with each other. It is well cast and just such a heart warming story.

Flipper is so dear and will make you smile when he communicates. The father in the first movie is the Rifleman.....SO HANDSOME!!! You'll want to jump into the screen and kiss him!

Average customer rating:

Great family sunday night popcorn film.
GrandKids loved it
Flipper DVD
FLIPPER-1963
Basic family fare...

Flipper
Starring: Chuck Connors , Luke Halpin , Connie Scott , Jane Rose , and Joe Higgins
Director: James B. Clark
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00029LOAO
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Customer Reviews:

Great family sunday night popcorn film........2007-02-10

Good clean fun. Hollywood has lost the art of film making over the last 40 years. This is an excellent step back in time for film buffs. A great and entertaining film for the whole family. The kids will go to sleep at night dreaming of sunny beaches and friendly animals after watching this, instead of wondering who will survive on "Survivor", or who's going to bomb what on "24". If your wondering what your kids should be watching it is this movie.

GrandKids loved it.......2006-08-28

I had purchased this for my granddaughter who loves dolphins. I remember watching it with my children 30 years ago. All three of my grandchildren loved it as well as the other two I had purchased.

Flipper DVD.......2004-10-30

The color was really good on this DVD, and the picture clear. Having grown up in south Florida, I can remember playing in many areas much like you see (except for maybe the scenes filmed in the bahamas). It's a good clean movie, with action and outdoor adventure. Now maybe they will release Gentle Ben on DVD?

FLIPPER-1963.......2003-12-09

Flipper 1963 is a good family film, but i dont like the chorus of what sounds like little childrens voices singing everyone loves the king of the sea, ever so kind and gentle is he, okay for a family film but it sounds like something that would make people think flipper is sappy and inspire put down jokes. One person said flipper is just a rehash of lassie, in some stories like the Ditching, where you hear go for help flipper were counting on you, youre our only hope but youll find stories like shark hunt or even flippers hour of peril quite different from lassie and the wolf cub. Flipper went more for adventure than the tearducts

Basic family fare..........2003-04-27

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.

Customer Reviews:

Review of Flipper's New Adventure.......2007-01-12

I purchased this dvd for my grandson and he loves it. It came in perfect
condition and has entertained him for hours.

gives new meaning to the word "worthless".......2005-10-12

none of the so-called actors in this movie could act if their lives depended on it. the plot is stupid, the characters are dumb, the British accents are totally fake; this is one of those cheesy movies that you get just to laugh at. basically what happens is this kid has a dolphin, finds out it's being sent to an aquarium, and runs away to an island. then a british family's boat is hijaked by some bad guys, and the mother and two daughters are kicked off (the dad stays to drive the boat). the dolphin guides them to the island, and the boy has to keep himself secret from them. he ends up meeting one of the girls. the scene can't get any lamer - they crash into each othe because they are each carrying something and looking down so hard i thought their chins were glued to their chests. couldn't the director have been a little more creative? anyway, the bad guys end up coming back and the dolphin has to save the day. the end. stupid movie. my brother and i were making fun of it for like a month after we saw it.

If you ever liked the TV series, get this movie!.......2001-09-03

Flipper the TV series was made before my time, but I grew up watching reruns of the classic series. As long as I live, Flipper will always be one of my favorite TV series of all time. Just like the TV series, the famous dolphin named Flipper is here in "Flipper's New Adventure" making rescues, helping people, and just being the good old talented Flipper that performs amazing exploits in the water.

In this movie, Brian Kelly makes his debut as Porter Ricks, Luke Halpin plays as Sandy, and Flipper is played by...Flipper. In "Flipper's New Adventure," (yep, it's a full-length movie), Flipper and Sandy use an island as a hideaway and they both later get tangled up in a kidnapping exploit. If you're familiar with the TV series, then you'll pretty much know what to expect from this movie. Unlike the Leonard Maltin review says, this movie is not just for kids, it's for anybody who has ever liked the TV series, or for anyone who likes good movies. I recommend it all the way!

Flipper rocks.......2000-12-16

This is Brian Kelly's debue as Porter Ricks. There is incredible underwater photography and great dolphin tricks. Brian Kelly went on to be the Executive Producer of Bladerunner.

Family Favorites 4 Movie Collection (The Little Rascals / Casper / Flipper / Leave it to Beaver)

Average customer rating:

Family Favorites 4 Movie Collection
Kind of disapointed...in my case

Family Favorites 4 Movie Collection (The Little Rascals / Casper / Flipper / Leave it to Beaver)
Starring: Chauncey Leopardi , Spencer Vrooman , Malachi Pearson , Cathy Moriarty , and Eric Idle
Director: Brad Silberling , Alan Shapiro , and Penelope Spheeris
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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