Thursday Television Review: Flipper

Sitting on the dock

Flipper (1964-1967)

Starring: Luke Halpin, Brian Kelly, and Tommy Norden

Summary

Widower, Porter Ricks (Brian Kelly), is a Ranger living in Florida along the coast. He lives with his two boys, Sandy (Luke Halpin) and Bud (Tommy Norden). Growing up along the coast, the boys are at ease in the ocean and have made friends with a happy dolphin they named Flipper.

The Ricks Family and Flipper

Porter is always helping people and making sure trouble doesn’t come to Florida, whether it be by people or by nature. Along the way, Sandy and Bud learn lessons about obedience and trust as they live life by the sea. And Flipper is always there to save the day, always ready to rescue someone from sea.

The Ricks boys

The boys are always completely sure that Flipper will be there to help them in times of trouble and would do anything to help Flipper. Often making mistakes, the boys come to learn in the end what’s right and wrong.

Sandy with Flipper

Review

Flipper is a fun series that brings on the happy feelings of beach life! It’s fun to watch as the boys jump into the water in their old jean shorts, swimming with Flipper! Porter does his best to teach the boys right from wrong and is often in the midst of some issue with either nature of people that make for an interesting story. The boys are constantly facing a difficulty or having to make a decision, and will often get into trouble, leaving Flipper to rescue them and Porter to come after.

In the patrol boat

With the exception that the boys are often disobedient, the show is fun. And, they learn their lesson in the end, with lots of encouragement from their father. A good teaching opportunity for young children and enjoyable for all ages.

Going for a dive

Ellen Nolan

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