THE DAY OF THE DOLPHIN

Some not so deep cetology about the infinite possibilities of that happy little mammal, the dolphin, as already investigated by Dr. Lilly, accredited here. This then, via lectures, reports, tapes, journals (and other somewhat interruptive devices) tells the story of the work of one Professor Sevilla, his assistant Arlette who becomes his wife, two other helpers who defect to Russia, and interfering C.I.A. type investigators. Sevilla manages to mate two specimens, Ivan and Bessie, in a tank; he also teaches them to talk and has their absolute affection as ""Pa"" until they are confiscated by the government. Always in the background are rumbling threats of World War III and actually this is a protest against man's inhumanity to man as well as animals. M. Merle is a Frenchman and sometimes as playful as his dolphins while converting them to more serious uses. The trouble is that the idea gets across more successfully than the story.