AaronCapenBanner Robert Lansing plays marine biologist Hank Donner, who befriends an Orca who won't leave his cove after some fishermen shot and killed its mate. Named Namu, the whale proves himself to be intelligent and playful after Hank, and a local woman and her daughter(played by Lee Meriwether and Robin Mattson) gain its trust. Those same fishermen are determined to get Namu out of the cove, by any means they can... Fine film is suitable for the whole family, being quite warm and respectful toward nature. Despite being subtitled "The Killer Whale", DVD is subtitled "My Best Friend", which is certainly nicer! Compare this with later film "Orca"(1977) to see what I mean...

modern_fred Ivan Tors produced many films and TV shows that nudged the audience to treat other species with respect and wonder. This was a novel film in its time that introduced audiences to the "Killer Whale" as a potential friend rather than threat. Based on a true story and very well made (lots of great location photography). The cast is low-key and everything is handled in a convincing manner. This was typical of the Tors approach. It's well-done material- not overly sentimental, with a respect for science and a plea to evolve as a species. It's the sort of movie that one doesn't see these days in a sea of CGI fantasy and family films that are merely bad comedy. Seeing this as a kid it made a lasting impression.

whpratt1 This is an outstanding film about a killer whale named Naumu who is being protected by an oceanographer, Robert Lansing,(Hank Donner) and has a very hard time trying to tell the local towns people that this whale is not harmful. John Anderson, (Joe Clausen) is more worried about his salmon business and does not want a whale eating up his profitable business. There is a little boy and girl and Hank Donnear who even communicate with the whale and ride on his back in a row boat all around in circles. There is Comedy, Drama and excellent photography and the background music flows throughout the entire picture. Lee Merriweather, (Kate Donner) is a shop owner in town and has some secrets that she keeps to herself until the time is necessary to tell Hank Donner. If you are an animal lover and enjoy a good fish story, this is the film for you.

miguel-10 Not a great film, but entertaining enough for small children that love films about animals in the Walt Disney tradition. Unfortunately, this film is probably not aging very well because the message, "killer whales are nice, humans are bad", has been shown a lot, for example, see the "Free Willie" movies.