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Like a marine version of Lassie, Flipper featured a highly intelligent dolphin that helped his human friends when they were in danger. The series was developed by producer Ivan Tors, who had created other marine-themed shows such as The Aquanauts. Flipper was based on a feature film of the same name.

 

Brian Kelly played Porter Ricks, a widower and head Ranger at Florida’s Coral Key Park. He was helped by his sons, fifteen-year-old Sandy and ten-year-old Bud. And all of them were helped by Flipper, a super-smart dolphin who lived at the park.

 

When the kids would attempt to help animals or people who were in trouble, they often got into trouble in the process. Ranger Rick would always rescue them with the help of Flipper. An old sailor named Hap Collins appeared early on in the show, and oceanographer Ulla Norstrand appeared during the second season.

 

After three seasons, the show was cancelled in September 1967, but remains a staple in syndication. Its traditional values and cute star inspired a follow-up feature film and a new TV series in the 1990s.