Dot and the Whale

Dot and the Whale

Company type	Animated film
Industry	Animation, Film
Founded	1986
Founder	Yoram Gross
Products	Animated feature film

Dot and the Whale is an Australian animated feature from 1986, directed by Yoram Gross. It continues the story of the character Dot, originally introduced in Dot and the Kangaroo, which was itself derived from Ethel Pedley's children's literature.

Plot

The narrative begins with Dot envisioning a scene from Moby Dick as she reads the classic novel. She then engages with Nelson, a dolphin who instructs her in underwater communication and shares knowledge about marine life history.

Nelson picks up a distress signal from Tonga, a whale stranded on the shore, prompting him and Dot to investigate. On the beach, two boys named Alex and Owen attempt to push Tonga back into the ocean but are unsuccessful. They then gather other local children to assist. Tonga confides that her family was lost to whalers, leaving her despondent. Dot aims to aid Tonga's recovery by moving her into Nelson's pool but soon realizes they lack suitable transportation for such a large animal. Meanwhile, a fishmonger views Tonga as a potential catch.

Nelson proposes seeking out Moby Dick, an experienced sperm whale, to encourage Tonga to return to the sea. Dot and Nelson set off for Antarctica in search of him. Moby Dick declines to intervene, believing Tonga must choose her own path, especially considering the dangers posed by whalers. Nevertheless, Tonga finds renewed hope through the compassion shown by the children.

Back on land, Dot teams up with Alex and Owen to transfer Tonga into Nelson’s pool. After contacting various transport services, they find one willing to assist for a considerable fee but lack sufficient funds. Consequently, they organize a fundraising effort. The fishmonger attempts to steal the collected money but is stopped by the transport company’s manager. Ultimately, Tonga is successfully relocated and recovers enough strength to return safely to the ocean.

Voice cast

• Robyn Moore voices:
  • Dot, a spirited young Australian girl with red hair who adores animals
  • Tonga, the stranded whale
  • Alex
  • Various additional characters
• Keith Scott provides voices for:
  • Nelson, the dolphin
  • Owen
  • Moby Dick
  • Other assorted characters
• Kim Deacon – Vocal performer

Production

Dot and the Whale made its US debut on The Disney Channel on November 10, 1986, continuing broadcasts until 1993. Alongside four other films by Yoram Gross, it was distributed on VHS by Family Home Entertainment under license from Cori Films Distributors, Ltd.

External links

• Dot and the Whale at Oz Movies