The story begins in 1835 on the island of Ghalas-at, where Karana's tribe, the Nicoleño, lives.
The narrative is inspired by the true story of Juana Maria (the "Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island"), who lived alone on a Channel Island from 1835 to 1853. Island of the Blue Dolphins(1964)
The dog that played Rontu was the offspring of Spike, the dog from the classic film Old Yeller . Review of ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS (1964) (Blu-ray) The story begins in 1835 on the island
Missionaries arrive to evacuate the remaining tribe members to the mainland. As the ship departs, Karana realizes her younger brother, Ramo, has been left behind. She jumps overboard and swims back to the island to stay with him. Review of ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS (1964)
Russian fur traders and Aleut hunters arrive to hunt sea otters but refuse to pay as agreed. A violent battle breaks out, and Karana's father, the chief, is killed along with many others.
Finally, a ship arrives. Karana, now a woman, decides to trust the strangers and leaves her island home for a mission in Santa Barbara, accompanied by her pets. Film and Historical Context
Over nearly two decades, Karana builds a home of whale bones, hunts for food, and develops a deep respect for the island's wildlife, eventually vowing to only hunt when absolutely necessary for survival.