The Whales of August is a 1987 film based on a play by David Berry and stars Bette Davis and Lillian Gish as elderly sisters. Also in the cast were Ann Sothern as one of their friends, and Vincent Price as a peripheral member of the former Russian aristocracy. The film was shot on location on Maines Cliff Island. The house still stands and is a popular subject of artists on the island. The film was directed by Lindsay Anderson, his final feature film, and the screenplay was adapted by David Berry from his own play.
Libby, played by Davis, is the eldest and the more infirm of the two sisters, and her nature has become bitter and cold as a result. Sarah, played by Gish, is the younger sister, a softer and more tolerant character, intent on nursing her sister through her discomfort and trying to breach the gulf that has grown between them. The resentment that Libby so clearly displays to her stifles Sarahs every attempt at making a friendly overture towards her, and Sarah cautiously retreats from her. Ironically, Gish was actuallyyears older than Davis.Maranov Price is a fisherman who provides a romantic interest for Sarah, and helps her to recall the happiness of her youth, while also reminding her of the marriage and husband that she has lost. Tisha Sothern is a vivacious lifelong friend who provides common sense, fun and laughter, and is the catalyst for some of the sisters conversations and revelations. In flashbacks, actresses Margaret Ladd, Mary Steenburgen and Tisha Sterling Sotherns reallife daughter play respectively Libby, Sarah, and Tisha as young women. ........
Source: Wikipedia