Review: The Whales of August
The story of two elderly sisters living in a seaside home, tempestuous Bette Davis and the more genial Lillian Gish (93 years-old at the time). The sisters are occasionally visited by an aging, salt-of-the-earth caretaker (Harry Carey Jr.), a neighbour (Ann Sothern), and even romantic Russian immigrant Vincent Price, who is currently down on his luck. Almost the entirety of cinematic history up to its release date is on show here making this small, otherwise not terribly significant 1987 film a must-see. I’m normally of the belief that script is king, and here the screenplay by David Berry (no further or prior film credits) lacks a compelling story and very clearly shows its stage origins. As directed by Lindsay Anderson ( “This Sporting Life” , “If…” ), I really shouldn’t like this film, if you’ve read my criticisms before about ‘stagey’ films. Not a lot happens here. And yet, 100+ years of cinematic history is right there before your eyes. It’s a rare case of being captiva...