The Whales of August (1987) User Reviews

Quiet, contemplative little drama

[khatcher-2 · 8/10 · 10 November 2002]

This is a delightful piece set on the magnificent shores of New England's Atlantic Ocean, with an absolutely unrepeatable cast. Starring not only Bette Davis and Lilian Gish, alone worth anybody's money, well advanced into the autumn of their years, but also a very welcome Vincent Price, and a magnificent Ann Sothern together with her real daughter, Tisha Sterling.

A slow sensitive story in which each one looks back on life from differing perspectives; as usual, Bette Davis is in a dominating rôle, which, despite her advanced years, carries off quite well; Lillian Gish is just superb, lending that toned-down equanimous nature of hers which pervades the whole atmosphere of the film. And as the film develops around their house and in the garden and on the cliff-tops looking out to sea in earnest attempts to see the whales making their way south, the quiet contemplativeness of the film holds you. This is a film you will cherish and savour long afterwards. Which is why it is in my video collection since 1993 and why IMDb contributors 15 years on are still commenting on this heart-warming piece, half a dozen of them only so far this year.

So as to make a contrast, I suggest that impressive classic 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' (1962), with Bette Davis playing against Joan Crawford: an intense dramatic piece.

Just a few weeks after being invited to the San Sebastián Film Festival – her last public engagement – Bette Davis died, as has Lillian Gish: unrepeatable.

Timeless grace and beauty

[howard.schumann · 8/10 · 10 May 2004]

Lindsay Anderson's The Whales of August stars silent film legend Lillian Gish, in her 95th year, and Bette Davis, 79, as widowed sisters, one warm and supportive, the other cold and cantankerous, who have been coming to a small cottage on the Maine seacoast for sixty years. Every August, they watch the journey of the whales passing in the nearby waters together but the sense is that this may be their last summer together. Knowing that their time is limited, the siblings attempt to resolve long-standing differences but face many obstacles. The Whales of August takes place during the course of a single day and the camera stays mostly inside the house except to follow the sisters on occasional walks to the ocean. It all sounds static but there is a great deal of emotion churning beneath the surface.

Libby (Davis) is nearly blind and very difficult to live with, always talking about how her life is over. Her sister Sarah (Gish) on the other hand is the polar opposite. She is sweet in her sisterly devotion to taking care of Libby and avoiding getting drawn into her moods (she always calls her dear). She brushes her hair, fixes breakfast for her, gets her clothes together and tends to the garden. "Busy, busy, busy" is how Libby talks about her and irritatingly calls her Say-rah throughout the film. Ms. Davis looks gaunt but her face shows a strength that is as craggy as the seacoast rocks. The film also features Vincent Price as Mr. Maranov, a down on his luck but charming Russian refugee whom Libby suspects is trying to worm his way in with them, and Haray Caray, Jr. as Joshua Brackett, a handyman who is forever making a racket in the house.

Also featured is Ann Sothern as Trish, a friend and neighbor who is close to convincing Sarah to leave Libby's care to her daughter until she remembers how Libby supported her when her own husband died. Sarah draws every ounce of emotion from a lovely scene in which she celebrates her 46th wedding anniversary by having an imaginary conversation with Philip, her long deceased husband. "Forty-six years, Phillip", she tells him. "Forty-six red roses; forty-six white. White for truth--red for passion. That's what you always said - passion and truth; that's all we need. I wish you were here, Phillip." Another moving sequence is when Libby brushes her face with a lock of her husband's hair while sitting alone in her bedroom.

I had heard that The Whales of August was little more than a vehicle for two aging stars to sing their swan song; however, I found the screenplay by David Berry to gracefully complement the performances with an emotional honesty that captures the truth of the characters. Not a great deal happens in The Whales of August but that is often true of life. It is a gentle and civilized character study that lets us know it is never too late to bury long-standing grievances and open a picture window to possibility. It may be elegant and old fashioned in its style but it has a grace and beauty that is timeless.

Legends In The Fall

[writers_reign · 8/10 · 19 August 2006]

Definitely not one for the Multiplexes this has Art House written all over it and it's all the better for it. There's a definite Checkovian 'feel' to this one, albeit minor Checkov, with five characters doing nothing much except give a Master Class in Screen Acting. If you actively look for such things you'll find resonances with titles like On Golden Pond and, having brought up Checkov I could argue that they could have re-titled it Two Sisters. Whatever it's a Collectors item even if the story is best not subjected to a strong light; two sisters, both widowed, continue to spend their summers in a cottage in Maine where, years ago, they could track whales briefly; now the whales have gone as has the metaphorical youth of the sisters. Sarah, Lillian Gish, has a suitor of sorts in Vincent Price, a White Russian who exists like Blanche du Bois on the kindness of strangers. Libby, Bette Davis, will have none of it and sends him on his way with a flea in his ear. The two other characters are Ann 'Maisie' Sothern, a friend of Sarah's for sixty years and Harry Carey Jnr - light years away from Monument Valley where he weighed in with support in almost every John Ford Western - as the local repairman. Gentle, Unobtrusive, Unforgettable.

The waning days of one last summer on the coast of Maine

[drednm · 18 May 2009]

This 1987 film is truly remarkable in its own small way. The film centers on a beautiful and simple story about the bonds of sisters, the disappointments of life, and the waning days of one last summer on the coast of Maine.

The legendary, and I mean LEGENDARY, Lillian Gish stars here at age 93 as Sarah. Having appeared in about 120 films over an incredible span of 75 years (1912-87), Gish goes about her business of being an actress with great dignity and skill. There are several quiet scenes in which she talks to old photographs as she cleans or fixes up her hair and makeup. She's truly enchanting.

The legendary Bette Davis doesn't fare quite as well playing the harsh Libby. Davis (post- stroke) is certainly easy to believe as the flinty sister who is blind and bitter. Davis was almost 80 here and had also racked up about 120 films, dating from 1931.

As Tisha, Ann Sothern (more than 100 films) earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination as the nosy, pushy friend who hasn't quite given up on life. Sothern started as a dancer in films in 1927 as a delicate blonde beauty. Vincent Price (almost 180 films from 1938) plays the charming drifter (and foreigner) who may be looking for a new place to live. And Harry Carey, Jr. (son of Harry Carey, a cowboy star in silent films) plays the fixit man who wants to install a picture window.

There's little action here as the sisters squabble about daily routines and long-ago events in their lives. Gish is ever hopeful while Davis is always mistrusting. The 4 stars work well together although the age differences are apparent. Davis uses her usual Boston voice; Sothern tries out a pretty good "down east" accent. Price plays a Russian émigré, and Gish speaks in her own voice.

The feeling of 50s Maine is just right. The house, perched on a small cliff looking out to sea, looks right. The island (this was filmed in Casco Bay) is gorgeous and captures the simplicity of old Maine just perfectly. The atmosphere is windy and overgrown and rocky. It's the Maine of my childhood.

This marks the final film appearance of Gish and Sothern. While Sothern was the only one to win an Oscar nomination, she, along with Gish and Price, won Independent Spirit nominations. What a pity that Gish did not win Oscar recognition for this role and for her astonishing longevity in film. Gish earned only one Oscar nomination (for DUEL IN THE SUN) and an honorary award in 1971.

Gish did win the best actress award from the National Board of Review.

Legends and grace!

[rosscinema · 7/10 · 28 August 2003]

This was the last film of Lillian Gish and it has to be the most graceful exit an actor or actress has ever had. All screen legends should have the dignity of their last film being this touching. This story is about two elderly sisters who are staying in their family cottage on the coast of Maine. Lillian Gish plays Sarah Webber the oldest of the two and she is caring for her sister Libby Strong (Bette Davis) who is blind and maybe in the early stages of senility. They have a neighbor and life long friend in Tisha (Ann Sothern) who suggests to Sarah that she might want to think of selling the old cottage. An acquantance named Mr. Maranov (Vincent Price) asks to fish on their shore but he really is fishing around for a place to live. He is of European nobility and full of stories but he has no money and seems to exist on the kindness of others. Both Sarah and Libby are widows and frequently relate events of the past to each other. The film is directed by Lindsay Anderson who usually makes satirical English films and this was his first American feature. He does an adequate job but he has the sense of just allowing the camera to catch every emotion these actors convey. This is not a great film but it is a very special one. Its a very simple story but thats just fine, something extra special doesn't have to be happening for this film to work. Gish was an amazing 93 when she made this and even at that age she showed she could carry a film and display an incredible amount of energy. She still had that girlish nature about her and her performance is a revelation. Davis was also incredibly strong but she suffered from having to recite some unbelievable dialogue. I didn't quite buy the scene where she comes out of her bedroom saying she had a dream about her and Sarah. But her best moments come in the quieter scenes. When Davis is gazing at nothing and thinking about her future you can only guess what is going on in her head. I thought she was at her best when the camera would just focus in on her face and she didn't speak. These two actress's were very different in their personalities and Davis was very difficult to work with later in her career. But I read a wonderful thing about the wrapping of this film. When the shooting was done Bette walked over to Lillian Gish and gave her a hug of mutual respect. It was high praise to have a cantankerous Bette Davis show that type of respect. Of course, Gish could charm anyone. She spent her career doing it. For you trivia buffs, Ann Sotherns real life daughter Tisha Sterling (Valley of the Giants) plays her as a young woman and Mary Steenburgen plays a young Sarah. This film is a must for all film buffs.

A Lost Breed of Movie

[Shelly_Servo3000 · 10/10 · 16 August 2002]

I'm 22 years old and yet this movie about two elderly sisters and their friends touched my heart deeply.

I must admit before I begin that I am a fan of Bette Davis and Vincent Price, and that Miss Lillian Gish is my all time favorite actress, so my view of this film may be skewed. However, I must admit and admire the sheer artistry of these actors (including the unsung Ann Sothern) and their ability to take a simple story and turn it into an engaging, emotional tour de force film of power and majesty.

Miss Gish was in the twilight of her life in this, her last film, but you could still see the same actress who touched audiences in 1919's "Broken Blossoms"...the same powerful skills which are on display in 1928's "The Wind", and the same quiet dignity portrayed in 1959's "The Night of the Hunter". Her scenes are by far the finest of the movie.

I must respectfully disagree with my fellow reviewers in their dismissal of Bette Davis's performance. Her character was supposed to be hard-headed, mean, and in bad health (why else keep harking on dying?). Bette is all of these things. I could really feel that she WAS Libby. Although her constant yelling of "SAY-rah" was a little annoying, but that's Ms. Davis for you.

Vincent Price was a revelation for those of us who have only seen him as a schlockmiester. His role as the Count, warm, friendly, scared and courtly, was probably the most sympathetic character in the film.

All in all, a touching, beautiful tribute to the legends of the screen and to the movies themselves. A lost breed of film.

Contemplative and somewhat sad

[tomgillespie2002 · 7/10 · 26 June 2013]

"Can one live beyond one's time?" ponders the 93 year old Sarah (Lillian Gish). This summarises one of the key themes in Lindsay Anderson's moving drama The Whales of August, which focuses on the relationship between sisters Sarah and Libby (Bette Davis). Spending the summer in their vacation house in Maine, the two are approaching the end of their lives. Sarah keeps herself busy doing household choirs and looking after her near-blind sister, as she awaits the yearly arrival of the whales who swim close to the shore. While Sarah is positive and open to changes, Libby is bitter, resigned to her looming death, and opposes Sarah's ideas to install a window that would allow the moonlight to shine through the home in the evening.

There is no real plot in The Whales of August, and is instead a moving character piece that allows a quartet of wonderful actors - Vincent Price and Ann Sothern as well as the aforementioned - to flex their muscles again. With about 500 features in total behind them, it's wonderful to see these powerhouses at work. Sothern received the only Oscar nomination, but this is Gish's film (Gish shrugged off her Oscar snub by saying "oh well, at least I don't have to lose to Cher". She was one of the first Hollywood superstars, and displays the same effortless likability that made her a star with the likes of Intolerance - Love's Struggle Through the Ages (1916) and Broken Blossoms, or The Yellow Man and the Girl (1919). Post-stroke and looking extremely gaunt, Davis sadly fairs less well, and although I consider her to be possibly the greatest actress to ever grace the screen, her performance lacks any real emotion.

Beyond the performances, the film is contemplative and somewhat sad. Faded memories and old photographs are always something that affect me, and watching Sarah and Libby share anecdotes and knowing what these actresses must have lived through and experienced, I found it hard not to get choked up. It's a meditation on change and if there ever comes a time when you should simply let go and accept what's coming. It would be Gish's last film, and Davis' penultimate, and it's a fitting way for the both of them to go out. Going back to the question in the first line, the answer is yes. There is a time all actors will be cast aside by the studio system in favour of youth, deeming them no longer fit for purpose, but The Whales of August reminds us that cinema will never, ever forget.

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Wonderful film that will stand the test of time

[funkyfry · 10/10 · 6 November 2002]

Elegantly tasteful inter-personal story about 2 elderly sisters -- played by Gish and Davis, the all-time queens of the screen -- who are haunted by the past and unsure of the future. One sister, the elder (Davis) is literally blind -- an attribute she claims is intentional: "I'm working on my ears, now." Gish suffers her changing emotions and bitter appraisal of life only so far -- she wants to have a future, even if it is a frightening, uncertain one. Price is also excellent as a Russian nobleman: "a race extinct." They're all "Whales of August", sometimes as if already dead, always living on hope.

Beautiful movie.

Sisters of different temperaments face the final curtain.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 28 August 2015]

Movie audiences like a good cry, and there's nothing more touching than seeing the aging screen veterans in what is rumored to be their last film. Bette Davis and Lillian Gish were legends who had never worked together, and while the going was tough, the results were well worth it. If only Bette had been content with this and concentrated on her lecture tour, she wouldn't have to go through the fiasco that became "The Wicked Stepmother" and ended her career much more gracefully. But at least she bowed out of that before any more tackiness was added to the few scenes she did film, and here, she's giving the epitome of a delightfully feisty performance, a contrast to the subtlety and sweetness of on-screen sister Gish.

The story focuses on two elderly sisters (Davis and Gish) dealing with what might be their last summer on Maine, regretting the passage of time and the absence of whales who used to swim by closer to shore. Their idle days are pleasantly interrupted by old friend Ann Sothern and a dashing Russian aristocrat (Vincent Price) who is courting Gish. To top off the cast of veterans, there is also Harry Carey as their handyman, and together, there's over 300 years of combined film and T.V. experience and probably over 500 movies. It's Gish who wins the acting honors, her quiet dignity tempered with spirit. Sothern's great as a big flirt, an elderly version of her 1940's character Maisie.

Excellent production values include a gorgeous musical score, breathtaking outdoor scenery and an intelligent screenplay by David Berry from his own play. There's an early flashback sequence of the characters from years before but it is only there to show them when the whales appeared more frequently. Of course, the absence of the whales can be attributed to the disrespect of the environment, and their being mentioned at all is a metaphor as to the passage of time and to the changes the world sees through one person's long lifetime. While Gish was predicted to be nominated for this, she was overlooked in a very tough year for leading actresses, but Sothern was. Vincent Price had a few more films left under his belt (most memorably, "Edward Scissorhands"), but for the most part, this was an exit of five of Hollywood's longest running thespians.

A Golden Tribute

[Rainsford55 · 9/10 · 25 July 2002]

I will attempt to be as impartial as possible in my review, but right from the outset, I do believe that the flaw in this magnificently presented ‘tribute' is not in the actresses (as most commentary' seem to be intent – particularly on Davis), but in the film itself.

Libby (Davis) provides with gusto a controlled, deep and thoughtful portrayal of ageing that has soured with time. Hating being dependent on anyone, she has to rely heavily on her sister Sarah (Gish) because of her physical limitations and her near blindness. She provides the backbone to this gentle fable and without her strength we would have little to learn from. Her solo scene in her bedroom with her late husbands clip of hair, is touching and heart-warming. Here she is photographed superbly and you come away from this shot reassured that there is timeless and unconditional love still around us in the world somewhere. If there is one fault in her overall performance, it is her first scene, where appearing to almost glow in the dark like a ghostly image, wanting to convey to us her blindness, she relies heavily upon her trademark hand and eye movement, for which she is renowned for instead of allowing us to observe more gently the introduction of Libby Strong.

Gish stands out as truly magnificent. Her denial of an `Oscar' nomination for Best Actress is a sad fact, for if ever she earned it in the last twenty or so years, this was the one. Her expressions and reactions to her fellow characters are without blemish. We feel for `Sarah' and are delighted when she gets her picture window. Not solely for the ‘picture window' but more for the fact that `Libby' shows her first sign in possibly many years of not giving in to death. Gish also carries her solo scene effortlessly when celebrating alone, her beloved husband Philip's memory on their 46th Wedding Anniversary. It's beautiful and elegant.

Sothern, Carey Jr. and Price add substantial weight to their respective supporting performances and they also give us a little uplift when the ‘spirits' almost seemed to be weighing down with age. Sothern, though, appears too young for the storyline though in fact she wasn't. Price is grand. His ‘sponge' is likeable and meticulously interpreted; though I was always glad when his part had finished, I wanted back to the ladies. Carey Jr. could have hung around a bit longer. He was a delight in his too few scenes. He gave it a charge. Davis and Carey Jr. where a good match – I must say!!

The fault as far as I'm concerned lay in the storyline and the static photography with the conversation pieces. We didn't need the real estate scene and we could have had more in depth conversation between Sarah and Libby alone. The hand held photograph viewer scene was the perfect opportunity for a journey into the realm of their respected lives – the sad moment and the happier moment. Again it escaped us on the shoreline when seated on an upturned dinghy. A breath of fresh air, from the almost claustrophobic feel of being confined to and around Sarah's home, beautiful though it was – this was cinema after all.

Then there is the cinematography. Heavily reliant upon editing, the camera didn't seem to have any interest in following the cast nor the story. It broke off as if bored to show us ‘Sothern' picking a berry from a bowl, then upon approval, taking it to share with the others. The entrance back inside the house after their walk to the edge (Gish and Sothern), broke off from Davis hanging her coat to seating herself, when I feel that we could have had more interest for the viewer if we could have done that in a single take. Some POV shots from the arm of the Libby's armchair or her pondering over the ocean when recalling the November chill in her bones (remembering her late husbands passing) to see the scene as she could only feel it and not seen it, could all have been handled better – much better. These are only two of the faults as I have seen them.

Anderson deserves much credit for allowing this opportunity see the light of day in such a ‘commercial' day and age. And also some of his handling is gentle and sensitive. However it is obvious that he holds a long held passion for `Lillian Gish' in her hey day and this somewhat overshadows the whole project – a deserved as it may be. When you consider the wealth of talent dabbling in their shallow pool of opportunity, you can't help but wish that they had made more of their Whale of an opportunity and given us something deeper for the Whales of August to dive away into.

Still…. it's a golden tribute to America's greatest. Thank you Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Sothern, Carey Jr. and Price. It's well worth the 88 minutes of watching time, just to see you on the screen where you always belonged.

Not for all tastes but a treat for fans of the stars

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 29 September 2017]

Measured, mostly pleasant film featuring several elderly stars in their final (or close) roles. Lillian Gish and Bette Davis play sisters who spend the summer together on an island off the coast of Maine. There isn't much of a story beyond these two dealing with their long-simmering issues. Both legendary actresses give performances that would put many actors young enough to be their grandchildren to shame. 93 year-old Gish is especially good. Vincent Price, Ann Sothern, and Harry Carey, Jr. offer solid support. It's a very slow-going film. That and the lack of a more interesting plot are the main reasons I'm not rating it higher. Obviously classic movie buffs will love it more than most.

a wonderful film that will probably not appeal to the average viewer

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 2 July 2005]

I really liked this movie but could see most people being very bored by it as well. This is because I particularly drawn to this movie by its cast because I am a MAJOR old movie buff. The thought of seeing Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern and Harry Carey, Jr. again after all these years made this a must-see for me, but a lot of people have no idea who many (or even all) of these people are and the slow pace may irritate those who MUST have an action picture or comedy or nothing.

I must admit, the movie is very slow paced. But instead of this being an impediment, I see it as more a slow, leisurely movie based on older characters who SHOULD be slow due to their extreme age. What surprised me most was how incredibly spry and capable Lillian Gish was as an actress. I read that she was nearly 100 when this was filmed and she was EXTREMELY hard of hearing, but she pulled it off like a pro! Davis, though more than a decade younger, was much more infirmed and she spent most of her time yelling, acting senile and being nasty--but that also worked because that was the character she was playing. Unlike Gish and Davis, this was not Vincent Price's last movie (he did "Edward Scissorhands" just after this) and he is delightful as the charming and soon to be homeless neighbor.

Plot? Nah, it's not that important here--really. I mean YES, there is a plot but it really isn't that important--the joy of this movie comes from just turning on the camera and watching them do their craft.

A fine experience!

[gazineo-1 · 7/10 · 16 August 2002]

Sensitive and compassionate little movie about the last days of live of two senior sisters (superbly played by Davis and Gish) in their house in Maine. The story is simple, almost casual and the dialogues are a bit too shallow but sincere. Anyway, the chance of watch two great actress, in fact, more than that because Davis and Gish are really two simbols of the movie history, is a fine and rewarding experience. I give this a 07 (seven).

But the whales never come

[Igenlode Wordsmith · 5/10 · 31 August 2006]

I watched this because of the featured cast, and they don't disappoint -- but the film itself left me puzzled, unfulfilled and yes, disappointed. It strikes me in retrospect as a set of lovingly-detailed characters in search of a plot.

I've no objection (in principle) to languorous cinema, but I have an unaccountable bourgeois prejudice in favour of stories that actually have a resolution. "The Whales of August" sets up its cast, its location, its history... and, having made us care about the people, then just stops, with a seemingly arbitrary abruptness that felt like a slap to the face. Half a dozen plot strands are left dangling unresolved in an instant's disbelief -- can that really be it? Bette Davis, oddly enough, is more beautiful in old age than she ever was in her heyday, although her speech, affected by a stroke, is sometimes hard to understand. If I hadn't known that this script was a play before ever it was a film, watching her sit stubborn and hostile in her chair as Libby, the 'difficult' sister, I'd probably have assumed that the part had been written specifically for her as a typecast "Bette Davis role". She raps out the acid one-liners with as much aplomb as ever, and convincingly plays blind.

Lillian Gish, on the other hand, has lost her youthful looks entirely... but the camera (or the cameraman) still loves her. It's strange, but as others have said, there are moments when she glows; her silent film technique still shows through. When she is talking, she is a sweet tottery old lady with an occasional streak of assertion -- but when, from time to time, she stops talking to face the camera and just *look*, something suddenly comes into place that wasn't there before. She acts best when she doesn't even speak; and her submissive, normally quiet character definitely steals the film.

Vincent Price is courtly and still unmistakable as the White Russian who claims to have been a nobleman of the Tsar's court, although his story, too (and perhaps his identity?) is left unfinished. Which of the women, if any, is he courting? And where will he find to live? Ann Sothern comes across as much younger than the others, which is disconcerting. She was the only one of the quartet I hadn't seen before, so can't compare against previous work. Her Tisha is an easily-recognisable cheerful voluble type.

Overall I found the film interesting as a set of performances in extreme old age, and as a vehicle for stars I'd once known. But I found the structure intensely frustrating: a lot of backstory is revealed, but none of it ever leads anywhere. The whales of the opening scenes never do come back. Present-day problems are left unsolved -- like the repairs to the water-pipes. If there's something there, I'm missing it.

"The Whales of August" is worth seeing for the actors, but for a meditation on age I prefer a more conventionally structured film such as "Last Orders".

Brings tears to this middle aged man's eyes

[bekayess · 29 November 2004]

Until tonight, I had not seen this charming film since it was first released in 1987--at that time I was 30. Now I'm quite a few years older [you do the math--:)]. . .I'm not easily brought to tears, not at weddings, not at funerals, not by sad movies. But the beauty of the final moments with the Misses Davis and Gish caused me to tear up and cry like a baby. How wonderful it is to see these two ladies--plus Mr. Price and Ms. Southern--give such moving and real performances, well past the years when most people have retired and decided it was time to sit around and wait for death. If just one person of my age--or any age, older or younger--sees this film and changes a defeatist attitude, then the actors and writer have done their job.

I know my attitude is changed. . .

A Fitting Metaphor

[ferbs54 · 7/10 · 4 December 2007]

I'm still trying to figure out why I enjoyed "The Whales of August" (1987) as much as I did. It doesn't have much in the way of plot, story, action or even character development going for it, and takes its sweet time telling what little story there is. I suppose the movie's appeal must lie in its once-in-a-lifetime cast; a true gift for the movie fan. Thus, we have Lillian Gish, arguably the greatest actress of the silent screen, 91 years old here and in her final film; Bette Davis, arguably the greatest actress of Hollywood's Golden Age, poststroke here at 79; Ann Sothern, everyone's favorite sweet/tough broad, at 78; AND that grand old guy Vincent Price, the relative stripling of the bunch at a tender 76! The story here concerns two sisters, played by Gish and Davis, who spend their days puttering around in their house off the coast of Maine in the mid-1950s. One of them is sweet, patient and helpful to others; the other is cantankerous, bitter, blunt and nasty. (Need I even mention who plays whom?) The sisters reminisce; their neighbor, Sothern, joins them for tea; Price stops by for dinner; nothing much transpires. Still, the film is somehow gentle and sweet, and need I even say that the acting by these great vets is impeccable? Despite the summer setting, the feel of the movie is autumnal, dealing with people (and, by extension, actors) in the sunset of their years. The whales of the title do not make an appearance at the film's end; a fitting metaphor, I suppose, for screen giants the likes of whom we shall not see again.

A beautiful gem

[wmuraoka · 10/10 · 5 November 2017]

When I first saw the Whales of August -- I thought it was slow and boring. But after several viewings -- I feel this is a gem of a movie. It's beauty is in it's slowness. Also, how spectacular it is to see the performance of these great actors -- Gish, Davis, Souther, Price and Carey. And what a wonderful tribute to their place in cinema history.

Lillian Gish offers a fine performance.

[james362001 · 7/10 · 27 February 2002]

The Whales of August is the only film I have seen Lillian Gish actually speaking and acting. I only know of her having done silent films when she was a young lady. Lillian Gish offers a fine performance in this her last film role. Honestly, I am not a fan of Bette Davis, especially since those embarrassing moments on the 49th Annual Academy Awards in 1987 when she embarrassed Robert Wise (who was accepting the award on behalf of Paul neuman) on stage and on LIVE television. However, I am sympathetic to the fact that Bette Davis had not been the same as she was since her stroke. I did not enjoy seeing Bette Davis in this film. Ann Southern is a delight in her role she was nominated for an Academy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. This was her last film role. It is nice to see Vincent Price in a gentlemanly role. During filming, Lillian Gish was 93 years of age, Bette Davis 79, Vincent Price 75 and Ann Southern 78.

Charming

[rlaux · 9/10 · 31 May 2004]

This movie has two possible effects. You will be bored or charmed. I was charmed by the simple beauty of watching aged movie stars in their final film roles. Ann Sothern is truly the high point in the movie and still has her "Maisie-like" (the character she made famous in the 30's and 40's) wit and sarcasm. Bette Davis, Lillian Gish and Vincent Price, as well as Ann Sothern, are all veterans of the great "Hollywood Era" and it shows. One can only hope that Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Taylor, Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt age as well as these legends. Beautiful scenery and seascapes and a chance to see people who make aging appear elegant. Sadly, all are gone now. Rest peacefully!

My brief review of the film

[sol- · 6/10 · 12 December 2005]

Directed by Lindsay Anderson, famous for his trilogy of films with Malcolm McDowell, this is a very different sort of movie, mostly due to a lack of unconventionality. The film has little in the way of plot, and the action that occurs is hardly anything out of the ordinary. Yet, it is the acting that the film can best be appreciated for. With icky music choices and an unadventurous technical side too, it is the performances that are made to stand out, and they are quite good. Lillian Gish comes off as the best, but Vincent Price has some rather solid moments too. It is a film that would perhaps be best enjoyed by a very select audience - the elderly and those familiar with the stars - but yet the performances are indeed good enough that most viewers should find something to appreciate in it, even if the story does not excite them.

Veterans brings emotions

[MarioB · 8/10 · 1 October 1999]

I don't know exactly how many years of movies Davis, Gish, Carrey, Sother and Price had together. Probably 300 ! But all of them are absolutely wonderful in this beautiful quiet film about two aging sisters. Being a fan of Lillian Gish, I was amazed to see her full of gentle emotions, like in the films she made in the silent era. When she let down her hairs to brush, while listening to an old record Roses of Picardy, I saw the eternal Gish. Bette David is also great. It seems that the two women are playing the kind of parts we learned to love them. See this, it's a beauty.

Perhaps the first instance where these fine actors were too old for their characters...

[Aussie Stud · 7/10 · 15 July 2001]

In this simple yet astonishing film, five film veterans are united together to explore the prospects of getting old. Unfortunately, the respected subject matter was well beyond their years.

Lillian Gish shines her final film performance as Sarah, older sister to Libby, portrayed by Bette Davis. Their neighbors are Vincent Price and Ann Sothern. Cowboy film veteran, Harry Carey Jr. even makes an appearance as the local plumber.

Gish is the kinder, soft-hearted sister. Davis is the cantankerous, cranky and stubborn younger sister who is also blind. Gish has taken up the responsibility to look after Davis. She feels that she is indebted to her after she lost her husband in World War II and was cared for by Davis. Now the tables have turned and it is Gish who is the stronger sister. Gish looks stunning in her older years. Her face has aged into something that shows kindness and caring whereas Davis looks tired, withered and quite incapacitated. (Do note the fact that she did suffer from a stroke in the mid-80's.) The two sisters reside in Gish's homestead on the Maine coastline with a stunning view of the ocean. Hence, this is where the title of the film comes in, "The Whales of August". It is from this place where the two sisters used to gather to watch the whales at sea and also plays as the backdrop to the exact points of their lives which they are currently in.

The story never reveals exactly how old the two sisters are, but references are made to as early as 1910, which places the characters to be at least in their early 80's. And this is where the story line suffers. The sisters talk about the prospects of aging, having a driving license suspended, hearing aids, arthritis, retirement and of course, death. The two film veterans clearly look like they've given up driving a long time ago. Retirement is certainly not an issue for them. These are things that characters perhaps in their mid-50's and onwards should be discussing. Should the storyline have focused on death itself, perhaps the dialogue would have come off more convincing.

One of the biggest drawbacks to this film is Bette Davis' performance. While indeed it is respectable, she was clearly too old to take on this role as her acting was certainly scratchy in parts and there are numerous times when she has trouble remembering her lines. There are even times when it seems a little frighteningly realistic to watch and see Bette Davis hobble around and screech "Say-rah!" in her sleep as you wonder exactly just how hard it really is for her to try and keep it together.

Ann Sothern is one of the film's highlights. She plays their childhood friend and close neighbor. She takes on her trademark everyone has come to know her by - she is bubbly, nosey, interfering, yet lovable all at the same time. She prompts Gish to sell her home and send Davis away to be cared for by either her daughter or a professional. She is aware of Davis' stubborness and always has been. One amusing highlight in this movie is when Sothern offers a bowl of blueberries to Davis and yet moves it out of her reach knowing fully well that she is blind.

Vincent Price delivers a fine performance as a Russian immigrant who has a tender spot for Gish. The landlord of his house has just passed away and he faces the prospects of having to move and start anew. Davis wants nothing to do with his affairs and refuses to even toy with the idea of him dining in their home.

The cinematography is beautiful. We see 'soft-lensed' shots of flowers blowing in the breeze, the two sisters taking their daily walk along a grassy path that leads to a look-out over the cove, the sun glistening off the gentle waves of the sea while the sound-track gently plays pan-flutes and piano... Unfortunately, this is not enough to hold the film together. While indeed it is certainly astounding to see Gish, Davis, Price and Sothern on screen together, we are not there to watch a reunion of film veterans. This is a movie that could teach us all a little something and perhaps even inspire us.

This should have been an important film which covers subjects that must eventually be considered by all of us. But the film never follows up exactly what will become of the characters. Will Vincent Price find a home? Will Ann Sothern go for her driving license test? Will Gish sell her house? Will Davis be looked after by her daughter? These are certainly important aspects of the film that should have been examined as this movie was held together mainly on the development of these characters. Instead, the director serves us a lavish feast of images and gentle screen shots of Lillian Gish's face, but the core subject matter is never fully dealt with.

This film should have perhaps studied characters in their 60's to make any of the subject matter more believable. A resolution to each character's issue(s) would have also been welcome. This film meant well, but really offered no real food-for-thought. But kudos to these film legends for trying.

4/10

Swan Songs

[wes-connors · 9/10 · 6 September 2008]

Patient, kind Lillian Gish (as Sarah Webber) and contrary, cantankerous Bette Davis (as Libby Strong) are two aging sisters; who spend what is likely to be their last summer together, arguing about their limited future. Ms. Gish wants to have a "picture window" built for the house; but, the blind Ms. Davis thinks not. Gish awaits the annual appearance of "The Whales of August", and Davis reminisces, instead, about "The Swans". Nothing overtly extraordinary happens. There are no picture windows, whales, or swans.

Beneath the surface, Gish is a romantic dreamer, and Davis is sad and wise. These qualities, and the sisters' love for each other, are demonstrated by the actress' remarkably delicate performances, David Berry's subtle script, and Lindsay Anderson's steady direction. Vincent Price, Ann Sothern, and Harry Carey Jr. are a great supporting cast. Gish's name was a curious omission from the "Academy Award" list of nominations; the "National Board" hedged its bets with a special lifetime achievement award; but, Gish won their "Best Actress" award anyway. Davis' performance was also award worthy.

You may ache for the film to be technically better, or more "dramatic"; but, you will never again see the constellation of stars within.

********* The Whales of August (8/19/87) Lindsay Anderson ~ Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern

Clone of On Golden Pond Only Less Sentiment, More Scenery

[DKosty123 · 7/10 · 27 March 2017]

The scenery in Maine where this was filmed, is perhaps the biggest star. The films cast would have been super in their prime, but here what is amazing is that the director managed to get as much energy as they did out of them. The movie is not exactly exciting.

Lillian Gish, into her 90's when she did this one, has quite a bit of energy in what really is the starring role here. Bette Davis as her sister is really a second fiddle as her performance here is no different that it had been in several films. Ann Sothern who along with Gish are in their lat screen role, is here but clearly a support player.

When I watched this one, what I saw was Senior sisters (Gish & Davis) at a cottage in Maine, being visited by some folks. While there is no harm to come to either, they are looking for peace in their relationships and remembering what was. Davis cast as being blind is really the major wet blanket in the film.

Of course, if your not into this elderly cat, you might want to visit the lobby until this blows over. Then again, you might wish to look at some really old pros showing some major energy in their cast inspired for this.

What's the point?

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 5/10 · 27 March 2015]

Let me preface my comments by saying that: 1. I'm relatively old myself. 2. I believe Bette Davis is still the greatest American actress of all time. 3. Lillian Gish was a national treasure. 4. Ann Sothern had a remarkable film career before moving on mostly to television. 5. I generally enjoy (and always have) films about seniors.

However, this film is a true bore. An hour into the film and I'm still wondering what the point is. It's a real treat seeing Davis, Gish,, Sothern, and Vincent Price in their very senior years. But so far, I see no plot. Just a group of very old people growing older (I already know that feeling...although I am not quite that advanced...yet.

There is a great deal of beauty in some of the exterior films. And I give each of the primary actors a great deal of credit for their effort, particularly Bette Davis after her remarkable recovery after multiple strokes.

So now, after watching the entire film, I still don't see the point.