Watch In Beaver Valley
- TV-PG
- 1950
- 32 min
In Beaver Valley is a documentary short film produced by the Walt Disney Company in 1950. The film takes the audience on a journey through the natural beauty of Beaver Valley, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains. The film opens with an aerial shot of the valley, showcasing the breathtaking panoramic vistas of forests, rolling hills, and sparkling streams. The narration, provided by popular naturalist Winston Hibler, sets the tone for the film by describing Beaver Valley as a "realm of living beauty," where "every inch of earth is alive with the song of things both great and small."
The film then delves into the life of the valley's inhabitants, both animal and human. A segment on the valley's birds of prey, such as hawks and bald eagles, shows them soaring through the sky with impressive grace, as Hibler explains their hunting techniques and ecological significance. The film also profiles the valley's small mammal population, including beavers, skunks, and raccoons, in their natural habitats. Interspersed with these animal segments are scenes of local farmers and their families, who are depicted as stewards of the land, working in harmony with the natural world to cultivate crops and raise livestock.
Throughout the film, the focus remains on the natural abundance of the valley, as Hibler marvels at the "rolling fields tilled by man, grazing lands where nature's animals graze, rushing streams that sparkle in the sun...all contributing to the magnificent scheme of things."
The film's stunning visuals are a result of the groundbreaking film technology used by the Disney team. In Beaver Valley was filmed using a new technicolor process that allowed for more vivid colors and sharper images. The filmmakers also utilized innovative camera techniques, such as underwater shoots and close-ups of animals in motion, to capture the beauty and complexity of the valley's flora and fauna.
In addition to its artistic and technical merits, In Beaver Valley has significant cultural and historical value. The film was released at a time when nature conservation was becoming an increasingly pressing issue in the United States, as industrialization and urbanization threatened many of the country's natural landscapes. In Beaver Valley provided a rare glimpse into the wonders of a pristine natural environment, instilling a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world in its viewers.
Overall, In Beaver Valley is a captivating and inspiring film that celebrates the majesty of the natural world. Through its stunning visuals and insightful narration, the film encourages viewers to appreciate and cherish the beauty and diversity of the natural environment.
In Beaver Valley is a 1950 documentary with a runtime of 32 minutes.