Ricks (Brian Kelly) and Sandy (Luke Halpin) are checking water temperatures, while Flipper and Bud (Tommy Norden) search for coral. James Best (as Dr. Peter Kellwin), from the Marine Research Institute, arrives to investigate communication with dolphins. Of course, Flipper is the most intelligent animal he's encountered; and, he wants to take him away for study. From his submarine, he uses taped dolphin recordings to lure the Ricks' pet away...
Flipper jumps the fence, when Sandy and Bud try to prevent him from going away with Dr. Kellwin. While Sandy and Bud are trying to bring Flipper back, a "Portuguese Man o' War" (a jellyfish-type sea creature, which causes intense pain and sometimes death) bites Sandy. Bud is unable to save his brother without Flipper's help; but, will the dolphin be able to resist "The Call of the Wild"?
Above average episode, with several points of interest. More than anything, the relationship between the Ricks family and Flipper comes across. Most notable is Bud's desperate attempt to lift wounded brother Sandy to safety. There are also nice father/son talks - Ricks telling the boys they will grow up and move out, but for the time being, he needs to remind them, "No chocolate cake for breakfast!" Of course Flipper's intelligence, and his love for the Ricks family, in in full evidence.
***** The Call of the Dolphin (4/4/65) Ricou Browning ~ Brian Kelly, Luke Halpin, Tommy Norden