The film is directed by Lindsay Anderson who usually makes satirical English films and this was his first American feature. Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing The Whales of August near you. Description. Huggo. 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. The older sister, Elizabeth "Libby" is being taken care of by her younger sister, Sarah. As stories go, it is conventional enough, but in "The Whales of August," as in grand opera, the story is only the occasion for the performances. The cottage, which now belongs to Sarah, has been in their family most of their lives, was the family's summer getaway from Philadelphia when they were younger. Cute story with Lillian Gish and Bette Davis.Adorable movie.. You should check it out :) Lillian Kish, Betty Davis and Vincent Price all play great roles. The Whales Of August (466) IMDb 7.3 1 h 30 min 1987 13+ Bette Davis and Lillian Gish play two elderly sisters who live together in a Maine summer home, where they are periodically visited by their crusty old handyman, their lively neighbor, and a charming Russian gentleman. It's August. The Whales of August book. The other stars, Bette Davils and Vincent Price were likewise great. Every August, they have watched the whales passing in the nearby waters, but the sense is that this may be their last summer together. Sarah and Libby have come to the realization they are in the respective twilight of their lives, Sarah, who still keeps busy and wants to savor life's pleasures, acts as now sightless, cantankerous and bitter Libby's caregiver. This film made me remember moments in my own life of people and places that are no more but live in my heart. After losing his hearing, a musician uses lip-reading to help others. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Check out our editors' picks for the movies and shows we're excited about this month, like Mortal Kombat, "Them," and Stowaway. Quite the change of pace from the combative Mick Travis trilogy, The Whales of August is more akin to a late Ozu film, complete with pillow shots. Both Sarah and Libby are widows and frequently relate events of the past to each other. Screen legends Bette Davis (All About Eve), Lillian Gish (Duel in the Sun) and Vincent Price (Tales of Terror) unite their iconic talents in this beautifully photographed, intensely emotional drama that offers unexpected and quite marvelous rewards. But impersonating her dead twin is more complicated and risky than she anticipated. Cinema as it should be: meditative, humane, a celebration of life. The attention to etiquette and the character of a Russian nobleman are characteristic of the times. Disc #2 -- The Whales of August - Special Features Peer Talk: The Raw September 1986 Interviews With Stars Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern and Harry Carey Jr. All screen legends should have the dignity of their last film being this touching. The Whales of August begins with the leisurely, early morning routines of two sisters living together in a small cottage on the coast of Maine in late summer. Bought as a replacement for a VHS version. The movie is so good that I make it a point to watch it every August. My own grandfather, a farmer, never went to town in his work clothes. This film stars Lillian Gish and Bette Davis, and to cast those two actresses as the leads of the same movie is to make their … You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. This is not a great film but it is a very special one. A C.I.A. Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018. As such, Sarah has to make ... Martin Scorsese, Helen Mirren, and More Decry Removal of Lillian Gish’s Name From Theater, Meryl Streep in ‘Ironweed’: A look back at her seventh Oscar nomination, the competition and the outcome, HARRY CAREY JR {CA38-216} UN/DEL {7-35} = {31-181}, Best of Both Worlds: Color and Black & White- Part 2. 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. The Whales of August is a 1987 drama about two elderly sisters, Libby (Bette Davis) and Sarah (Lillian Gish). Recently it came up in conversation, so I went to Amazon and found the movie, although a little expensive, and ordered it. David Berry, whose play The Whales Of August, about two elderly sisters living on the coast of Maine became a 1987 film vehicle for Lillian Gish and Bette Davis, died December 16 … See more ideas about the whales of august, lillian gish, bette davis. An acquantance named Mr. Maranov (Vincent Price) asks to fish on their shore but he really is fishing around for a place to live. You can't beat the star quality, and with quiet subtle acting, the characters came to life. The Whales of August is similar to these films: The Enemy (1927 film), Daphne and the Pirate, The White Sister (1923 film) and more. He is of European nobility and full of stories but he has no money and seems to exist on the kindness of others. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Of course the actors are at the top of their game. Someone new at least to Sarah's social circle is Mr. Maranov, a former Russian aristocrat. Of course, Gish could charm anyone. He does an adequate job but he has the sense of just allowing the camera to catch every emotion these actors convey. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. All she had to do was go to "setup" before starting the movie, click on "none" for subtitles, and she would have eliminated them, Korean or Engish. Lillian Gish – The Whales of August Another moving sequence is when Libby brushes her face with a lock of her husband’s hair while sitting alone in her bedroom. There are a few people who have been friends or acquaintances on the island, including the outspoken Tisha Dought, and Joshua Brackett. This film marks the end of an era for 3 of the main actors in this film, although Bette Davis did appear in one more film this was apparently her last film that she was to complete. I was showing Lillian Gish movies for three weekends, and this certainly was one of her best. It's August. Topic. The Whales of August. This was to be the last film that both Lillian Gish, who looked great for for her age (92/93 at the time) and Ann Southern who was 78 at the time and also looked great for her age. (1987). The sisters sit on their porch and watch the whales in the ocean and discuss the trials and tribulations of their lives. With Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern. Drama. April 23, 2004 | Rating: 60/100 Ryan Cracknell. Nov 25, 2012 #1 I've done several trips over the years with my friend Ron, a retired fisherman and very talented artist in metal welding. Highly recommended. Sarah knows she can no longer take care of Libby. A film lovely to watch after a stressful day. Apollo Guide. His stay on the island is threatened when his landlady, Hilda Partridge, passes away. A financially-strapped charter pilot hires himself to an oil tycoon to kidnap his madcap daughter and prevent her from marrying a vapid band leader. Jun 27, 2014 - Explore Dominique Rose's board "Whales of August" on Pinterest. It was the last great performance of Bette Davis and Vincent Price, who previously worked together nearly 50 years earlier. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. THE WHALES OF AUGUST is like a Checkov play, complete with an exiled Russian nobleman, about faded memories and family loyalties. This film is a must for all film buffs. Point) based on his play and top-notch direction by the great Lindsay Anderson (O Lucky Man!, If....). Title: These two actress's were very different in their personalities and Davis was very difficult to work with later in her career. Joined Feb 27, 2006 Messages 979. DVD List Price: $19.95. Two of the cinema's legendary leading ladies, Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, are teamed in this moving drama, based on the play by David Berry. The story is based on the play of the same name by David Berry. I received it when promised, and enjoyed the story all over again. This story takes place on the Maine coast. The Whales of August DVD. Also in the cast were Ann Sothern as one of their friends, and Vincent Price as a peripheral member of the former Russian aristocracy. 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. Written by See more ideas about the whales of august, lillian gish, ann sothern. It is that good. The story line is bittersweet and really touches your heart. The location of their cottage is quite idyllic, but it pains me to know what kind of price I'd have to pay for that kind of idyllic setting these days. A divorced couple's teen-age daughter stands trial for stabbing her mother's latest lover. The play was adapted as a feature-film in 1987. The cottage, which now belongs to Sarah, has been in their family most of their lives, was the family's summer getaway from Philadelphia when they were younger. Sarah knows she can no longer take care of Libby. Vincent Price is a joy to watch as always. A very lovely, well acted film - highly recommended. It was high praise to have a cantankerous Bette Davis show that type of respect. I had seen this movie many years ago on tv, and always remembered it. Fandango FANALERT® Sign up for a FANALERT® to find out when tickets are available in your area. I enjoyed every second and it was over in a flash (not quite sure how long the movie is, but probably no more than 90 minutes) and I recommend it to anyone of any age. A magazine's staff, including bickering ex-lovers Linda and Carey, cover an Indiana wedding, which goes slightly wrong... Explores the relationships shared by the residents of a seedy boarding house in London. Two Great film legends working together. How old were Bette Davis and Lillian Gish when they made this movie. The previous reviewer complained about the subtitles. Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2013. A washed-up movie queen finds romance, but still desires a comeback. I thought this was a slow moving film but I kept thinking about it. Sir Walter Raleigh (Richard Todd) overcomes court intrigue to win favor with Queen Elizabeth I (Bette Davis) in order to get financing for a proposed voyage to the New World. View production, box office, & company info. Bette Davis and Lillian Gish play two elderly sisters who live together in a Maine summer home, where they are periodically visited by their crusty old handyman, their lively neighbor, and a charming Russian gentleman. But her best moments come in the quieter scenes. This story is about two elderly sisters who are staying in their family cottage on the coast of Maine. If you’ve never seen it, The Whales of August is a jewel, and if you haven’t revisited it in the thirty years since its release, this jam-packed BluRay from Kino Lorber is a must. The Whales of August is a 1987 American drama film directed by Lindsay Anderson and starring Bette Davis and Lillian Gish as elderly sisters. The Whales of August is a 1987 film based on a play by David Berry starring Bette Davis and Lillian Gish as elderly sisters. DVD List Price: $19.95. It was the last film of Lillian Gish, Ann Sothern, and director Lindsay Anderson. Films similar to or like The Whales of August. From Wings to Parasite, here's a look back at all of the Best Picture Oscar winners in the history of the ceremony. This was the last film of Lillian Gish and it has to be the most graceful exit an actor or actress has ever had. The characters in the film refuse to give up their life view even as it leaves them. Price: $16.95. I recommend this highly. I wore out my old VHS tape. The Whales of August (1987) Full Cast & Crew Directed by (1) Writing credits (2) The Whales of August DVD Qty: Add to Cart. Like they have most summers, elderly widowed sisters Libby Strong and Sarah Webber, who live in Philadelphia, are staying together in the family's summer cottage on an island off the coast of Maine. Gish, however, is finding it difficult to care for her blind and increasingly senile sister. Two aged sisters reflect on life and the past during a late summer day in Maine. The working-class twin sister of a callous, wealthy woman impulsively murders her out of revenge and assumes her identity. Select the department you want to search in. August is five months away, but The Great DVR Purge of Early 2017 must end sometime and I've been wanting to see this, Lindsay Anderson's final feature, for ages. When Davis is gazing at nothing and thinking about her future you can only guess what is going on in her head. Bette Davis is brilliant, and as cranky as ever. Sarah and Libby have come to the realization they are in the respective twilight of their lives, Sarah, who still keeps busy and wants to savor life's pleasures, acts as now sightless, cantankerous and bitter Libby's caregiver. take the couple of hours to enjoy these pros weave you a story. If you enjoyed this movie, another movie you will surely enjoy is Ladies in Lavendar with Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, two other excellent actresses. Libby (Davis) and Sarah (Gish) are widowed siblings who have vacationed for half a century at a seaside cottage in Maine. She spent her career doing it. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2009. The Whales of August, on the other hand, surely will be. The Whales of August DVD. Like they have most summers, elderly widowed sisters Libby Strong and Sarah Webber, who live in Philadelphia, are staying together in the family's summer cottage on an island off the coast of Maine. So happy to have it on DVD. Sarah Webber (Lillian Gish) greets the day by working in the garden, dusting the house, and fixing breakfast for … The Whales of August DVD Qty: Add to Cart. What gifts Vincent Price, Bette Davis, Lillian Gish and Ann Sothern gave us. Davis was also incredibly strong but she suffered from having to recite some unbelievable dialogue. When the shooting was done Bette walked over to Lillian Gish and gave her a hug of mutual respect. The play is about two elderly sisters, both widows, who are living together in 1954 in a summer cottage in Maine. The story centres around the summer home of two sisters and their memories of being there over the long years (although one of them lives there full time I think) with its fantastic views of the Atlantic ocean. I show movies on weekends at my apartment complex, and this is one of the best I've shown for a long time. a pleasure seeing these old friends working together. A great movie with three unforgettable stars, Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2018. 1987 American drama film directed by Lindsay Anderson and starring Bette Davis and Lillian Gish as elderly sisters. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Share. It was also nice to see Vincent Price in one of his last roles, and he never disappoints. Thread starter kayakwriter; Start date Nov 25, 2012; kayakwriter Administrator. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2014. will become a double classic as the actors are already from the classic era of Hollywood and the story itself is timeless. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started. The Whales of August is a play written by American playwright David Berry. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. Agent is used as a pawn in an insane woman's plan to steal a Polaris submarine. You Save: $3.00 (15%) Share. Her sister is played by Lillian Gish, an actress who, unbelievingly, was there at the start of moving pictures ... she must have been in her 90's when she did this film, and of course she too is superb. I am a Bette Davis fan so perhaps a little biased but this is a gentle film starring 3 excellent actors; Bette, Lilian Gish and Vincent Price all give sterling performances in what turned out to be the last film for two of them. Also sign me up for FanMail to get updates on all things movies: tickets, special offers, screenings + more. Use the HTML below. This poignant 1987 film was the culmination of an era. Someone new at least to Sarah's social circle is Mr. Maranov, a former Russian aristocrat. She still had that girlish nature about her and her performance is a revelation. The incredible Lillian Gish, who started out on Birth of a Nation with DW Griffith, is paired with relative newcomer Bette Davis – who apparently proved just too much for her – in Lindsay Anderson’s gentle drama set on Cliff Island, off the coast of Portland, Maine.. Director: Lindsay AndersonStars: Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent PriceGenres: Drama Directed by Lindsay Anderson. A mother and daughter pair of witches wreaks havoc on a suburban family. A very tender story about aging and how two sisters live out their lives together. Gish was well over 90 years old when she acted in this film, and she is so good and quite charming that she has made me want to explore her many other films. I thought the quality of the video was just fine - kind of vintage color as the inside scenes were supposed to be dark, but in keeping with the movie. The house is the Pitkin House, a private home on The Bluffs, on the south coast of the island. Whales of August. Also in the cast were Ann Sothern as one of their friends, and Vincent Price as a peripheral member of the former Russian aristocracy. But I read a wonderful thing about the wrapping of this film. Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2018. Two aged sisters reflect on life and the past during a late summer day in Maine. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2019. in this case it's not only the story....it's the telling. Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018. you won't be watching this for the action, but for the simple and subtle enjoyment of professional actors magnificently plying their craft. There are a few people who have been friends or acquaintances on the island, including the outspoken Tisha Dought, and Joshua Brackett. Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018. A real oddity. This is a very nice portrayal of a period in our history that ended with the world wars and has, for better or worse, already become difficult to remember or to understand. Price: $14.95. 35 of 39 people found this review helpful. ENTER CITY, STATE OR ZIP CODE GO. The Whales of August features a wonderful screenplay by playwright David Berry (G.R. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2016. Description. The film is about divorce but with flashbacks as to why divorce occurs. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2014. Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2015. The Whales of August A woman who left home 20 years ago under acrimonious circumstances finds out that she is terminally ill. She returns home and tries to rebuild her relationship with her embittered mother ... See full summary ». A small masterpiece. Sarah is living life the way it's important to her, friendly, attentive, gracious, worried about continuing to care for her sister. Two of the cinema's legendary leading ladies, Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, are teamed in this moving drama, based on the play by David Berry. His stay on the island is threatened when his landlady, Hilda Partridge, passes away. I thought she was at her best when the camera would just focus in on her face and she didn't speak. 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. I didn't quite buy the scene where she comes out of her bedroom saying she had a dream about her and Sarah. Certificate: Passed The pleasure of ''The Whales of August'' comes from watching how Mr. Anderson keeps his two stars working in unison, though each works by totally different methods. Was this review helpful to you? This is a classic movie with actors of vast experience and quality in a very moving story about old age, but without being sentimental. Jan 30, 2019 - Explore Gail Pierce's board "the whales of august" on Pinterest. Its a very simple story but thats just fine, something extra special doesn't have to be happening for this film to work. You Save: $5.00 (25%) Share. I've always like Bette Davis but had never seen Lillian Gish in a film, but what a revelation she is. The Whales of August. Vincent Price brings a quiet dignity to the role of Mr. Maranov, who asks if the sisters will take him into their home as a boarder. 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