When the Whales Came (1989)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(466 ratings)

In this English drama, set during World War I, a strange, deaf man, known to all as "The Birdman" (Paul Scofield), must enlist the help of young Daniel Pender (Max Rennie) and Gracie Jenkins (Helen Pearce) to prevent the narwhal whales from suffering abuse at the hands of the local islanders. ~… More In this English drama, set during World War I, a strange, deaf man, known to all as "The Birdman" (Paul Scofield), must enlist the help of young Daniel Pender (Max Rennie) and Gracie Jenkins (Helen Pearce) to prevent the narwhal whales from suffering abuse at the hands of the local islanders. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Clive Rees
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Oct 20, 1989 Wide
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
English film that powerfully and practically speaks to the communal dimension of our responsibility to the natural world.

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Cast

            Paul Scofield as The Birdman

            David Threlfall as Jack Jenkins

            Helen Mirren as Clemmie Jenkins

            David Suchet as Will

            Helen Pearce as Gracie Jenkins

            Jeremy Kemp as Mr. Wellbeloved

            Max Rennie as Daniel Pender

            John Hallam as Treve Pender

            Barbara Ewing as Mary Pender

            Dexter Fletcher as Big Tim

            Nicholas Jones as Vicar

            Joanna Bartholomew as Miss Tregarthen

            Barbara Jefford as Auntie Mildred

            David Quilter as Mr. Bullhead

            Frederick Warder as Fisherman

            Paul Thomas as Big Tim's Gang

            Susan Curnow as Fisherwoman

            Stephen Dan as Watchboy

            Keith Low as Fisherman

            Derek Pearce as Fiddle Player

            Blue Philpott as Albert Pender

            Fergus Rees as Birdman as a Boy

            Penny Rogers as Maisie

            David Sherris as Big Tim's Gang member

            Kerra Spowart as Margaret Pender

            James Stedeford as Big Tim's Gang member

            Irene Wilson as Molly Woodcock
See full cast

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