Flipper

Flipper

Year: 1963

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: James B. Clark

FamilyAdventureDrama

A young boy forms an extraordinary bond with a clever dolphin after rescuing the animal from a spear. When his father insists the dolphin be released, the grateful creature returns the favor, protecting the boy from a dangerous shark attack. Their friendship showcases bravery and loyalty beneath the waves.

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Timeline & Setting – Flipper (1963)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Flipper (1963). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer

The story unfolds during a sunlit coastal summer when Sandy is sent to stay with his uncle. The season brings boat trips, fishing routines, and small-town rhythms that shape the characters' actions. The environmental danger adds urgency to summer chores and local partnerships.

Location

Coral Key

Coral Key is a sheltered seaside town known for its harbor, fishing trade, and access to nearby reefs. The area is a haven for dolphins and other marine life, which the locals watch over as part of daily life. In the film, the town's close-knit community plays a key role in addressing pollution threats and protecting the sea.

🏖️ Seaside town 🐬 Marine wildlife ⚓ Fishing community

Last Updated: December 06, 2025 at 16:31

Main Characters – Flipper (1963)

Meet the key characters of Flipper (1963), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sandy Ricks (Luke Halpin)

A restless city boy spending the summer with his uncle in Coral Key who grows from a reluctant participant into an engaged ally of Flipper and the island community. He demonstrates curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks to help friends and wildlife.

🏖️ Youth 🐬 Dolphin friend 🧭 Adventure

Porter Ricks (Chuck Connors)

Porter is a tough, protective sea captain and Sandy’s uncle who guides the boy through the dangers of the sea. He champions responsible fishing and wildlife protection, coordinating the community’s response to pollution and danger.

⛵ Authority 🐟 Protector 🧭 Mentor

Kim Parker (Connie Scott)

A local girl who befriends Sandy and helps in the search for Flipper. She proves resourceful and brave, assisting with the dolphin’s care and supporting efforts to expose the pollution threat.

🧭 Friend 🐬 Helper

Martha Ricks (Kathleen Maguire)

Sandy’s mother, a steady presence who represents family ties and concern. She embodies protective care as the story moves between ocean adventures and the town’s response to environmental danger.

👩 Family ❤️ Care 🏡 Home

Sheriff Rogers (George Applewhite)

The local law enforcement figure involved in enforcing wildlife regulations and maintaining order. The sheriff coordinates with the community in addressing the toxic waste danger and the safety of residents.

👮 Authority 🗺️ Law 🛑 Order

Last Updated: December 06, 2025 at 16:31

Major Themes – Flipper (1963)

Explore the central themes of Flipper (1963), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Pollution

Pollution threatens the coastal ecosystem, with toxic waste endangering Flipper's pod and the local fishing grounds. The narrative follows townspeople uniting to trace the source of contamination and protect marine life. Flipper’s echolocation and a simple camera help reveal wrongdoing and mobilize community action. The film frames environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility between residents, authorities, and visitors.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship fuels the courage to help Flipper and the town. Sandy, Porter, and Kim form a team that balances danger with empathy, teaching trust and cooperation. Their bond drives problem solving, from care for the dolphin to confronting the polluters. The story emphasizes that strong relationships empower people to act for the common good.

🦈 Courage

Courage is tested when Sandy faces the treacherous sea and a hammerhead shark. Flipper and the dolphin pod come to his aid, illustrating the power of teamwork against a threatening situation. The sheriff and community figures respond decisively to protect residents and wildlife. The film portrays bravery as a shared trait that emerges under pressure.

Last Updated: December 06, 2025 at 16:31

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often a child or someone seeking connection, who meets an animal in need. Through rescue and care, a deep bond forms. This friendship is then tested by external challenges, ultimately proving the loyalty and unique value of the animal companion, leading to a positive resolution.

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Narrative Summary

A young protagonist embarks on a journey or discovers something extraordinary in their natural environment. They face a tangible obstacle or antagonist, requiring courage and resourcefulness to overcome. The story is linear and straightforward, emphasizing positive values like friendship, honesty, and environmental stewardship, culminating in a clear and happy victory.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific blend of medium-paced adventure, hopeful tone, and straightforward storytelling aimed at a family audience. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and innocence, prioritizing heartwarming excitement over darkness or complexity.

Unlock the Full Story of Flipper

Don't stop at just watching — explore Flipper in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Flipper is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Flipper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Flipper, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Flipper Summary

Flipper Timeline

Track the full timeline of Flipper with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Flipper Timeline

Flipper Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Flipper that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Flipper Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Flipper

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Flipper: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Flipper

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