The Whales of August

"The Screen's Immortals... A movie you'll never forget."

Aug 19 1987 Not Rated 1h 30m
Drama

Two aged sisters reflect on life and the past during a late summer day in Maine.

Plot

It's August. Like they have most summers, elderly widowed sisters Libby Strong and Sarah Webber, who live in Philadelphia, are staying together in the family's summer cottage on an island off the coast of Maine. The cottage, which now belongs to Sarah, has been in their family most of their lives, was the family's summer getaway from Philadelphia when they were younger. There are a few people who have been friends or acquaintances on the island, including the outspoken Tisha Dought, and Joshua Brackett. Someone new at least to Sarah's social circle is Mr. Maranov, a former Russian aristocrat. His stay on the island is threatened when his landlady, Hilda Partridge, passes away. Sarah and Libby have come to the realization they are in the respective twilight of their lives, Sarah, who still keeps busy and wants to savor life's pleasures, acts as now sightless, cantankerous and bitter Libby's caregiver. Sarah knows she can no longer take care of Libby. As such, Sarah has to make alternate living arrangements instead of the Philadelphia house.Those arrangements will not involve Libby's estranged daughter Anna, who has the means to take care of her mother, although not the want. It is their interactions with Tisha and Mr. Maranov which may decide their sisterly fate for the immediate future.

Written by

David Berry

Directed by

Lindsay Anderson

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Nelson Entertainment

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 2 wins & 5 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
5,523
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA