WHISPERS: AN ELEPHANT'S TALE

US, 2000, 72 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Angela Bassett, Joanna Lumley, Anne Archer, Debi Derryberry, Kevin Michael Richardson, Alice Ghostley, Betty White, Joan.Rivers.
Directed by Dereck Joubert.

This is a short film designed especially for young children. Adult audiences might find it hard going. The story, the character, the characterisations, the voices are all designed for children’s responses and, with the accents and the cute tones, responses of American children. The moral and messages very clear, the film being against the hunting of elephants at the poaching of tusks.

The director, Derek Joubert, is a long time cinematographer, especially nature films, and has directed five features and documentaries, focusing on animals, lions, leopards, cats, elephants.

The story is that of the baby elephant’s mother’s death; the baby does not find a place in the herd until she is taken over by cantankerous aunt elephant, (Angela Bassett). The baby elephant finds it difficult to emit sounds and so is nicknamed ‘Whispers’. And Whispers as one of those cute American accents with American intonations. While Whispers is growing up, the little elephant does not entirely belong to the herd and Groove keeps herself somewhat aloof. As Whispers grows up, there are various adventures, with the other elephants, escaping coming of poachers. There are also threats from lions.

There is enough here for little children to be delighted, to understand the message – although some commentators suggested that they would be better off watching a proper documentary rather than this little and emotional story.