The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes

Bill Mason,
1968,
16 min 40 s

Synopsis
Point Of View
Education

In this short documentary from conservationist Bill Mason, he illustrates that although the Great Lakes have had their ups and downs, nothing has been harder to take than what humans have done to them lately. In the film, a lone canoeist lives through the changes of geological history, through Ice Age and flood, only to find himself in the end trapped in a sea of scum.

From the playlist : Bill Mason: Beyond the wild, beyond the paddle

The film was conceived and produced for the educational market. It was to be on the evolution of the Great Lakes (the working title was Evolution of the Great Lakes) and man’s impact on them. Mason agreed to a lighter approach for the film but was disappointed when the producer made several changes to his finished work. Test screenings proved to be very successful with children and teachers, who appreciated the humorous approach to the subject. The feedback was so positive that the film was blown up to 35 mm for theatrical distribution. Nevertheless, Mason was not happy with the finished product, feeling he had lost creative control over it.

— Albert Ohayon

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Comments

“I first saw this in my Outdoor Education class in 1976. It was good to see it again.” — cardkleener, 27 Jan 2013
“I must have showed this to over 100 classes in over 30 years of teaching. I tried to fit it in every year whether I taught history or geography or not. Still think it is a great piece of work and a CLASSIC!!!” — railmus, 16 Mar 2012
“I'm from North Carolina, this is a classic. Reminds me of old films we used to watch in school. Glad the Lakes aren't this nasty anymore.” — Lord_Kitchener, 13 Jun 2010
“I am so proud of being Canadian, Bill is a hero.” — Sammyg, 23 Apr 2010
“big Joe Mufferaw had a few beers but makes it good in the end! well you did ask me!!!” — usernongrata, 22 Mar 2010