There are a lot of similarities between "The Day of the Dolphin" and "The Shape of Water." But the latter doesn't credit the former and no one seems to remark on the similarity - despite all the buzz surrounding "Water." Why is that?

George C. Scott has taught a pair of dolphins to understand and speak English. But he didn't realize the foundation funding him is actually a covert government agency. Now the agency has taken the two dolphins and plans to use them as assassins. Okay, this all sounds just ridiculous I know but it's actually pretty good. It's directed by Mike Nichols, which is somewhat surprising, as he is not well-known for sci-fi or thrillers. It's written by Buck Henry, who is more known for comedies. Despite stepping out of their respective comfort zones, I think both do a fine job. The cast is good. The story is very interesting. The dolphin scenes are wonderful. Perhaps it's a little giggle-worthy at times but ultimately it's a smart, entertaining film that's pretty unique.

If it weren't for Bogart and Bacall, Scott and Van Devere would be my all-time favorite acting couple. The two thespians are masters of their craft and have the uncanny knack of making an absurd motion picture tolerable by their acting abilities. The Day of the Dolphin is a perfect case in point.This absurd film focuses on an isolated marine research center operated by demanding, anti-social marine biologist/linguist expert Dr. Terrell (Scott) and his wife Maggie (Van Devere). They have effectively taught a dolphin named Alpha how to communicate in English. Once news of this slips out a secret, evil government agency wants the dolphins in order to assassinate an unpopular president. The dolphins will be outfitted with mines on their heads in order to swim undetected and plant said mines on the president's ship. Yes, the plot is that absurd.STORY: $ (The screenplay is terrible--simply put. This is supposed to be a thriller but there is a noticeable lack of tension throughout the entire film. When we're first introduced to Trish Van Devere's Maggie she is laid up in bed with a wounded leg having had a mishap with Alpha in the tank. This little ordeal is never even discussed the rest of the film, in fact Trish is perfectly fine the next time we see her and she never enters the tank with Alpha the rest of the run time. Also, when George C. Scott gets wise to the assassination plot, his boat runs low on gas and he must turn around and wait, hoping the dolphins don't follow through with their orders. This is a horrible screenplay with weak plot development and characterization).ACTING: $$$$ (What makes this film watchable are the strong performances by the leads. George C. Scott, who gets my vote for the greatest actor ever, shines as a cantankerous scientist who just wants to be left alone to do his research. He brings far more depth to this character than most actors could bring. Paul Sorvino shines as a shady freelance writer who seems to know more than he lets on. Trish Van Devere, who is an exceptional actress when given time to showcase her skills, has little to do because the screenwriter couldn't flesh out her character. All she is given is clichéd dialogue to set-up George C. Scott's characterization. Fritz Weaver is fine as George's financial backer and Edward Herrmann of LOST BOYS fame is fine in an early role. John David Carosn and Victoria Racimo do a solid job as youthful help at Scott's marine sanctuary).SEXUALITY: None

George C. Scott stars as a marine biologist who has taught two dolphins to communicate with humans in english. His project attracts the notice of a shadowy corporate sponsor, who then kidnaps the dolphins to perform an assassination-at-sea. The film is divided in two parts, both exploring the ethics of man's meddling with nature. Stunning photography, excellent supporting cast, superlative effort from Scott, whose deep personal investment in the film's subject is easily sensed.I saw this film in the theater in 1973 and thought it was one of the best I'd ever seen. I wasn't expecting a period action film or a potboiler-thriller and was pleasantly surprised to get neither. This is a thinking person's film, a modern-day Frankenstein which is made even more tragic because of the creator's love for what he has created. The conclusion of this film is uncompromising, and calls into question all animal experimentation. One of the best, and most important films to come out in my lifetime. See it.