Dolphin Cove (TV series)

Dolphin Cove is an American drama television series created by Allan Marcil, set in Queensland, Australia that aired on CBS from January 21 to March 11, 1989 for eight episodes.[1]

Dolphin Cove
Title card from original run.
Genre	Drama Underwater
Created by	Allan Marcil
Written by	Peter Benchley
Directed by	Mel Damski Noel Black Brian Henson
Starring	Trey Ames Frank Converse Ernie Dingo Karron Graves Virginia Hey Antony Richards Nick Tate
Composer	Bill Conti
Country of origin	Australia United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	8
Production
Executive producers	Allan Marcil John Masius
Producer	Kevin Slattery
Production locations	Hollywood Center Studios, Hollywood, California Disney-MGM Studios, Orlando, Florida
Camera setup	Panavision
Running time	60 minutes
Production companies	Dick Berg/Stonehenge Productions Paramount Television
Distributor	CBS Television Distribution
Release
Original network	CBS
Original release	January 21 – March 11, 1989

Synopsis

The show centers on Michael Larson (Frank Converse), who moved with his son David (Trey Ames) and daughter Katie (Karron Graves) to Australia after being hired by wealthy industrialist, Baron Trent, who wants to perfect man-to-dolphin communications. Larson began working with two dolphins named Slim and Delbert.[2]

Larson is attempting to start a new life after his wife died in an automobile accident, but his teenage son, David, dislikes the Aussie life and new school. His daughter, Katie, was in the car when her mother was killed, and has not spoken since the accident. At first Katie disliked her new therapist, Alison Mitchell. Though Katie is not comfortable around most people, she loves being with the dolphins, and discovers she has a telepathic means of communicating with them.[3]

An Aboriginal Australian, Didge, also works for Baron Trent.[4] Ridge becomes an assistant to Michael Larson, and a friend and protector to the Larson family.

Therapist Alison's son, Kevin, is in the same class at school as David, and the classmates become friends.

The series was filmed on location in Australia, and was co-created by Peter Benchley.

Cast

• Frank Converse – Michael Larson
• Trey Ames – David Larson
• Karron Graves – Katie Larson
• Ernie Dingo – Didge
• Virginia Hey – Alison Mitchell
• Anthony Richards – Kevin Mitchell
• Nick Tate – Baron Trent

Episodes

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
1	"Pilot"	Mel Damski	Peter Benchley	January 21, 1989
Seeking to start a new life after the death of his wife dolphin researcher Michael Larson moves to Australia with his two children, and is hired by Baron Trent to figure out dolphin communication. His son, David, hates the family's new life, and daughter, Katie, who hasn't spoken since her mother's death, is wary of her new therapist, Allison, but bonds with dolphins Slim and Delbert.
2	"Two Shots and a Splash"	Noel Black	John Masius & Ann Reckling	January 28, 1989
Michael is visited by an old college friend, whose environmental protection efforts have grown more radical.
3	"Reading, Writing and Telepathy"	Mel Damski	Story by : John Masius & Ann Reckling Teleplay by : Judith Kahan	February 4, 1989
Delbert's mysterious ailment makes Katie anxious at school, and David looks for work. Allison's ex-husband pays a visit for son Kevin's birthday.
4	"The Initiation of Lisa Ruddick"	Noel Black	Everett De Roche	February 11, 1989
Slim and Delbert are upset by a reporter, who is planting suspicion about Trent's true interests.
5	"The Ship That Sank Twice"	Marcus Cole	Everett De Roche	February 18, 1989
While Michael is away Trent's personal project disturbs Slim and Delbert. Didge's loyalties to his family and his work come into conflict.
6	"Fighting Back"	Geoffrey Nottage	Story by : Margaret Kelly Teleplay by : Margaret Kelly & John Masius & Ann Reckling	February 25, 1989
Katie gets an admirer and David faces adversity. Didge's family believes that Trent's estate is on sacred land.
7	"Stormy Weather"	Brendan Maher	Carla Kettner	March 4, 1989
The estate is on generator power due to an approaching monsoon, and Didge welcomes two men claiming to be stranded fishermen, but who are actually escaped convicts.
8	"The Elders"	Geoffrey Nottage	John Masius & Ann Reckling	March 11, 1989
Michael's in-laws visit and want to take David and Katie back with them to the United States. Didge's grandfather begins a death ritual. Guest star: Teresa Wright received an Emmy nomination for her role as Michael's mother-in-law.

References

1. Albert Moran, Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series, AFTRS 1993 p 150
2. Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present, Ballantine Books, 1999
3. Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present, Ballantine Books, 1999
4. O'Connor, John J., Review/Television; Dolphins, Australia and Family Problems, The New York Times, January 21, 1989

External links

• "Dolphin Cove" at IMDb
• NY Times