When the Whales Came

When the Whales Came

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Clive Rees

Drama

An enchanting tale that feels almost true: two children on a remote island befriend an eccentric hermit living alone on the far shore. As their friendship deepens, they discover he harbors a dark secret concerning the island’s history and the mysterious whales that occasionally appear. Meanwhile, the hardships of World War I weigh heavily on the village.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – When the Whales Came (1989)

Trace every key event in When the Whales Came (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Missing boat found with hermit's message

The tide carries their favourite wooden boat to a forbidden bay on Bryher. Gracie and Daniel dare the Birdman’s beach and discover the missing boat with a message written in stones left by the hermit.

early Bryher days Bryher
2

First meeting with the Birdman and his backstory

Daniel and Gracie meet the Birdman, who is kind and profoundly deaf. He recounts his childhood on Samson and the narwhal curse that struck the island and took his hearing.

pre-war Birdman’s beach, Bryher
3

Daniel learns carving from the Birdman

The Birdman teaches Daniel to carve, and the boy quickly grows skilled. Their secret friendship deepens as Daniel’s talent flourishes under his mentor’s guidance.

Birdman’s workshop, Bryher
4

Timber discovery and the attic carving reveal

Rumors spread about a large driftwood timber washing ashore and being hidden before authorities arrive. In Gracie’s attic, they find the carved seabird the Birdman gave Gracie, proving Daniel’s work is his own.

after timber discovery Gracie’s attic, Bryher
5

World War I begins; Gracie’s father goes to sea

The First World War begins and Gracie’s father enlists in the Navy, leaving Clem to manage alone. With his absence, Daniel and Gracie take to the sea to help the family survive.

1914 Bryher
6

Sailing to Samson and discovering the past

Daniel and Gracie, navigating in thick fog, accidentally land on Samson. They uncover the dry well, the graves of islanders, and a narwhal horn, hinting at a buried history and a lingering curse.

during WWI Samson
7

Telegram: Gracie’s father is lost at sea

A telegram arrives announcing Gracie’s father has been lost at sea and is presumed dead. Gracie blames the Samson curse, and the islanders gather to comfort Clem and Gracie.

shortly after Samson visit Bryher
8

Great storm and a beached narwhal

Following a great storm, Daniel, Gracie, and the Birdman discover a beached narwhal and fail to push it back to the sea. The beached creature attracts other narwhals, signaling that the Samson curse may return to Bryher.

post-storm Bryher coast
9

Cottage burned; villagers misplace blame on the Birdman

Daniel’s older brother and other local boys burn the Birdman’s cottage, thinking he is signaling enemies. The truth about his signals as a protector remains hidden, escalating tension on the island.

wartime night Birdman’s cottage, Bryher
10

Truth about Samson; villagers unite to save the whales

Mr Woodcock finally reveals the real history of Samson and the island’s curse. Inspired by the revelation, the islanders work together to move the whales back into the sea, resisting slaughter and restoring balance.

throughout the crisis Bryher and Samson coast
11

Daniel reunites with the Birdman and journeys to Samson

Daniel leaves the Birdman watching the sea, but the next morning finds him gone. He sails to Samson and discovers the well is full again and plants have started to grow, signaling renewal.

following the truth revelation Samson; return journey to Bryher
12

Naval rescue and the curse is lifted

A naval boat arrives with Jack found at last and alive. The curse is lifted by the islanders, and Gracie, Jack, and Clem return home to Bryher, celebrating their hard-won peace and growth.

end of story Bryher

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:24

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Characters, Settings & Themes in When the Whales Came

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When the Whales Came (1989) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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