GUARDIAN OF THE WILDERNESS
US, 1976, 112 minutes, Colour.
Denver Pyle, John Dehner, Ken Berry.
Directed by David O'Malley.
Guardian of the Wilderness is an American family film. It traces some of the American heritage in the history of California, especially the attempts to get Yosemite Valley declared a national park. The treatment resembles many of the Disney features - the atmosphere is extremely wholesome. The characters are pleasant, even very nice. The scenery is beautiful and there is an extensive use of Californian wildlife. The issues are presented straightforwardly - generally predictable rather than stimulating. There is an expected musical background, even with songs. Nevertheless, at the level at which it works and for the audience at which it aims, the film is pleasing family entertainment.
1. The popularity of this kind of family film? The parallel with Disney products? The quality of its wholesomeness in theme, characters, style? American earnestness, sentiment? The basic message for American audiences. especially in terms of conservation?
2. Colour photography, Utah and California locations, the beautiful scenery? The use of animals? The focus on the sequoias? The re-creation of the 19th. century: wilderness, mines, towns, State Congress, Washington? The musical score and the use of songs?
3. The screenplay and its predictability? Acceptable for the popular audience? Fulfilling expectations? Enjoyable, the use of stereotypes - how much challenge?
4. Californian history: the gold rushes and mining, the forests and logging, Yosemite Valley, the sequoias? The role of John Muir and Galen Clark? Research, visits to Sacramento, political lobbying, Abraham Lincoln and his decisions? In praise of the past - for support of conservation work in the present?
5. The communication of the conservation message: visual impact, research, political background, emotional response? Admiration for the effort? The necessity for the 20th. century?
6. The re-creation of frontier life - the mines and their danger, the men and their way of life, accidents, consumption from mine dust, the warning of the doctor, etc.?
7. Galen as the central character - a benign old man? His work in the mines, his illness, his decision to go into the wilderness? The visualising of his trek - going alone, travelling, the scenery, the animals? The device of his talking to himself and communicating with the audience? The raccoon, the bear? The experience of going down the rapids? Being chased by the mountain cat? The encounter with the Indian, friendship, communication despite lack of language? Building the house together? (The amount of goods and resources he seemed to acquire!) His managing? The earthquake and the shattering of the hut, being helped by the bear? The visits of John Muir - especially after he'd buried himself? The discussions with Muir. the saving of the trees? The clashes with the loggers? The Indian cure for his health and the invigoration of his mountain life and purpose in conservation?
8. Zach and his friendship, his visits. especially at the right moment and clashing with the loggers? His bringing Galen's daughter and grandchildren, the marriage? Their staying, enjoying the life in the wilderness? The children and their walking - trapped by the mountain cat? Their dog saving them? Being besieged in the hut by- the mountain cats? Being rescued by the Indian?
9. The loggers and their interests, harsh methods. fights? Galen confronting them with the dynamite?
10. The political background, the logging interests taking over the forests? Galen's visit to Sacramento and his bombarding the politicians with evidence? The animals? The visit to Washington, getting so many signatures? The accidental meeting with Lincoln and Lincoln's speeches about conservation and the future after the Civil War?
11. Pleasant characters, admirable characteristics, behaviour? Ideal types? Presented for family audience enjoyment and edification? The happy ending?
