The Sea Around Us
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| Original title | The Sea Around Us |
| Country of production | United States |
| original language | English |
| Publishing year | 1953 |
| length | 61 minutes |
| Rod | |
| Director | Irwin Allen |
| script | Irwin Allen |
| production | Irwin Allen |
| music | Paul Sawtell |
| cut | Doane Harrison |
The Sea Around Us (Alternative title: secrets of the sea ) is an American documentary from the year 1953 by the award-winning book wonders of the sea biologist Rachel Carson .
action
The documentation deals with the oceans. After an introduction about the formation of the oceans and the use of water by humans, the focus is on microscopic life in the oceans. The food chain is illustrated with the diatom , which serves as food for crabs. This is followed by shots of colorful shimmering sea snakes.
The next subject is a fight between an octopus and a shark, which the shark wins. Sharks are caught for MarineLand in Florida using baits that have been provided with narcotics and are cared for there by professional keepers, the “shark walkers”.
The following is a description of a dive that Otis Barton undertook with a bathysphere in 1949 and which set a deep dive record. The film now turns to the dangers of the sea. Seaquakes cause huge waves. Animals that are deadly for humans such as various jellyfish and moray eels are presented.
The fishing industry is the next point to be considered. The fishing methods are presented from sponge divers to crab fishermen. After a look at the Great Barrier Reef off Australia with its diverse fauna and flora, salmon from the northwestern Pacific are shown making their way to the spawning grounds. Marine mammals such as whales, seals, turtles and seals are treated as well as the various sea birds.
After shots of a whale hunt, the film closes with the open question of the fate of our world if the polar caps continue to melt and the water floods the coasts.
criticism
Bosley Crowther of the New York Times certified that the montage of vivid color films is full of attractive images.
Awards
In 1953 the film was awarded an Oscar in the category Best Documentary .
background
The documentary premiered on June 30, 1953.
The film rights to Carson's book had been secured by RKO Pictures , who then also brought the film into distribution. Rachel Carson helped create the script. Irwin Allen sent his manuscript to the biologist, whose first criticism was negative. The director, who later made a name for himself with disaster films such as The Poseidon Inferno and Flaming Inferno , was able to reach a deal with Carson that obliged them not to publish harmful statements about the film and its producers.
Web links
- The Sea Around Us in the Internet Movie Database (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Critique of the New York Times (Eng.)
- ↑ Jeff Stafford: The Sea Around Us (1953) - Articles. In: Turner Classic Movies . Retrieved November 6, 2019 .