Watch Cry of the Penguins

Cry of the Penguins is a 1971 British comedy-drama film directed by Julian Barry and starring John Hurt, Hayley Mills, and Dudley Sutton. The story follows the adventures of a shy and awkward researcher, Forbush (John Hurt) who travels to Antarctica to study the sexual behavior of penguins. Forbush is tasked with creating a report on the penguins' mating habits, but he soon finds himself getting more personally involved with the colony than he ever imagined. He quickly becomes attached to one particular penguin, whom he names Adelie, and begins to observe her closely. He discovers that Adelie has fallen in love with another penguin, Archie, but Archie doesn't seem to be interested in her.

Forbush is determined to help Adelie win Archie's affections, and he even goes so far as to try matchmaking between the two penguins. He learns about the complex and often cruel courtship rituals of the penguins, and the various strategies they employ to find a mate. However, despite his best efforts, Archie doesn't seem to be interested in Adelie, and she becomes increasingly despondent.

As the winter sets in, Forbush finds himself becoming more and more isolated in his research station. He begins to question his motivations for coming to Antarctica, and whether his scientific work is worth the toll it's taking on him emotionally. Meanwhile, Adelie's heartbreak takes a drastic turn and Forbush is forced to take action to save her life.

Cry of the Penguins is an unusual and memorable film, as much for the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica as for its quirky storyline. John Hurt gives a captivating performance as the nerdy and naive Forbush, who is both endearing and frustrating as he bumbles his way through his research. Hayley Mills is equally charming as the free-spirited zoologist who joins Forbush on his mission, and the two actors have a great chemistry together.

The film is also notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the stark beauty of the Antarctic landscape and the intricacies of the penguins' mating rituals. Knowing that the filmmakers had to endure extreme conditions to capture this footage makes it all the more impressive.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find the romantic subplot between Forbush and Mills' character to be a distraction, as it takes away from the main focus of the story. Additionally, some of the humor in the film can be quite juvenile and may not be to everyone's taste.

Overall, Cry of the Penguins is a quirky, charming and occasionally melancholy film that offers a unique perspective on the natural world. Its mix of comedy and drama may not be for everyone, but for those willing to go along with its oddball premise, it's a rewarding and memorable experience.