Andre

In 1962, a seal drowns in a net cast by financially struggling fisherman Billy Baker near Rockport. The tragedy provokes heated debate among the local fishermen about shooting seals to salvage a dwindling season. The harbor mood grows tense as livelihoods hang in the balance.

Toni Whitney and her family adopt the newborn seal Andre after Toni persuades the vet that the pup can survive. The vet is doubtful at first, but Toni vows to be his best friend forever and to take care of him. Harry Baker, the harbor master, builds an artificial mother from wetsuit material to help Andre grow.

Andre grows attached to Toni and becomes a constant presence around the Whitneys. Toni even takes him to school for show and tell with the teacher’s permission, surprising classmates and earning a crowd’s affection. Andre’s bond with Toni deepens and he becomes a beloved local figure.

As Andre learns tricks, he becomes a local celebrity, drawing fans to the harbor. Billy Baker’s jealousy grows as the seal’s fame outshines the fishermen’s struggles and strains Harry’s ties with Billy. The harbor becomes a flashpoint for pride, resentment, and competition.

Under pressure to keep him safe, Harry contemplates releasing Andre to the wild once he is weaned. He plans the release, but a later tragedy makes him rethink his decision. He discovers a seal killed by bullets at the release site, a stark reminder of the danger of keeping Andre in captivity.

In his first winter, Andre escapes his barn and water home when the harbor freezes over. He sustains a bad cut, leaving a telltale trail of blood that the Whitneys find. He is gone for the winter, but returns in spring, physically weak yet true to his resilient nature.

As Andre grows, he becomes a scapegoat for local fishermen and for Paula as Harry’s attention shifts toward the seal. Paula’s personal life is tangled when she and Mark secretly grow closer, intensifying family strain over Andre. In a key moment, a drunken Billy threatens Andre with a pitchfork, forcing Harry to miss Paula’s Miss Liberty pageant performance to protect him.

The federal government sends inspector Jack Adams to inform Harry that keeping a wild animal in captivity is illegal. Adams makes two visits and warns of court or jail if Andre is not relocated. Meanwhile, Andre demonstrates intelligence by saving Harry during an underwater mooring inspection, hinting at a genuine bond beyond entertainment.

Thalice convinces Harry that the ongoing arrangement has to end, and he agrees to call Jack about moving Andre to the Boston aquarium. Paula and Mark steal a moment and take Andre, heading out to sea on a commandeered boat. Toni learns of the kidnapping and fears she has lost her best friend.

On the boat, Mark tries to shoot Andre, but Paula stops him and the gun fires. Andre dives into the water and surfaces alive, while Toni clings to fear on the dinghy. A raging storm capsizes the dinghy, and Billy and Harry race to rescue Toni and Mark; meanwhile Andre swims away, triumphant at Toni’s safety.

Back on shore, Toni learns that Andre is being transported to the Boston Aquarium. Harry explains the reason for relocation, and Annie Potts assures Toni that Andre will be loved and visited. Toni sadly accepts the separation, knowing it’s for Andre’s safety.

Summer arrives and Billy and Mark's relationship begins to improve. Harry steps down as harbor master to take a marine mammal protection research job, with Billy taking over. Toni realizes Andre would be happier living in the wild and agrees to his release.

After his release, there are several sightings of Andre as he adapts to life in the wild. A friend finally spots him on his way back toward Rockport, signaling that he still calls the local waters home. The town gathers to watch for his return, and his legend grows.

An adult Toni narrates that Andre’s life became legend after his first trip home. She recalls that he spent winters at the Boston aquarium and swam home every spring, continuing his long bond with Rockport. By twenty-four, his sight had diminished, but he still returned home as a cherished friend.