Island of the Blue Dolphins (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Island of the Blue Dolphins |
|
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | James B. Clark |
| Produced by | Robert B. Radnitz |
| Screenplay by | Jane Klove Ted Sherdeman |
| Starring | Celia Kaye Larry Domasin Ann Daniel Carlos Romero George Kennedy Hal John Norman |
| Music by | Paul Sawtell |
| Cinematography | Leo Tover |
| Editing by | Ted J. Kent |
| Studio | Universal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
| Release date(s) | July 3, 1964 |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Island of the Blue Dolphins is an exciting 1964 American adventure film. It was directed by James B. Clark. The movie is based on the popular 1960 book of the same name by Scott O'Dell. This film tells the amazing story of a young girl named Karana. She is left alone on an island off the coast of California. The film was released on July 3, 1964, by Universal Pictures.
Contents
About the Story
This film is based on a true story. It tells about a young Native American girl. She lived alone on an island for many years. The movie shows her bravery and how she survived. It also highlights her special connection with animals.
Movie Plot Summary
Life on the Island
The story begins in 1835 on an island near Southern California. A group of Nicoleño people live peacefully in a village called Ghalas-at. One day, a ship arrives with Russian fur hunters and Aleuts. They want to hunt sea otters on the island.
The hunters make a deal with the Nicoleño chief, Chowig. They get permission to hunt on the land. But later, the hunters try to leave without paying. This leads to a big fight. Many of the Nicoleño people are killed. The few survivors must leave the island.
Karana's Brave Choice
As the Nicoleño people are leaving, a young girl named Karana realizes something. Her little brother, Ramo, who is only six, has been left behind. Karana makes a brave decision. She jumps off the ship and swims back to the island to find him.
Karana and Ramo are now all alone on the island. They face danger from a pack of wild dogs. Sadly, the fiercest of these dogs attacks and kills Ramo. Karana is heartbroken and wants revenge.
Friendship with Rontu
Karana decides to learn how to use a bow and arrow. She hunts the wild dog that killed her brother. She shoots an arrow into its chest. But then, she feels pity for the injured animal. Instead of letting it die, she takes care of it.
She nurses the dog back to health. Soon, Karana and the dog become very close friends. She names him Rontu. They share many adventures together on the island.
New Visitors and Farewell
Years pass by. Karana grows up, still living alone with Rontu. Another group of hunters comes to the island. Karana hides from them. A girl from the group, named Tutok, finds her. Tutok tries to be friendly, but Karana is careful. She does not trust strangers easily.
Eventually, Rontu grows old and dies. Karana is sad, but she finds another wild dog. This dog looks just like Rontu. She names him Rontu-Aru, which means "son of Rontu."
Later, a boat carrying a missionary arrives. This time, Karana decides to trust the people. She gathers her animal friends, Rontu-Aru and some wild birds. These birds have learned to stay with her. Karana finally leaves the island, ready for a new life.
Main Characters
- Celia Kaye as Karana: The brave young girl who lives alone on the island.
- Larry Domasin as Ramo: Karana's younger brother.
- Ann Daniel as Tutok: A girl from another group of hunters who tries to befriend Karana.
- Carlos Romero as Chowig: The chief of the Nicoleño village and Karana's father.
- George Kennedy as Aleut Captain: The leader of the fur hunters.
- Hal John Norman as Kimki: A member of the Nicoleño people.
- Julie Payne as Lurai: A member of the Nicoleño people.
- Martin Garralaga as The Priest: A missionary who later visits the island.
- Junior as Rontu: Karana's loyal dog companion.
Filming Locations
The movie Island of the Blue Dolphins was filmed in a beautiful place. The filming took place in Gualala, California. This location helped bring the island setting to life.
