Secrets of Life
Secrets of Life is a 1956 American documentary film written and directed by James Algar. The documentary follows the changing world of nature, the sky, the sea, the sun, planets, insects and volcanic action. The documentary was released on November 6, 1956, by Buena Vista Distribution.[1][2]
| Secrets of Life | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | James Algar |
| Produced by | Ben Sharpsteen |
| Written by | James Algar |
| Narrated by | Winston Hibler |
| Music by | Paul Smith |
| Cinematography | William A. Anderson Arthur Carter Jack Couffer Robert H. Crandall Murl Deusing Fran William Hall Claude Jendrusch Stuart V. Jewell George MacGinitie Nettie MacGinitie Tilden W. Roberts Donald L. Sykes Roman Vishniac |
| Edited by | Anthony Gerard |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
Release date |
|
Running time | 70 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
The fourth in Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures series, the 1956 film Secrets of Life features previously rarely-seen film footage of nature's "behind-the-scenes" goings-on that play a huge role in making the planet what it is. From bees to ants and the flora and fauna surrounding us, Secrets of Life reveal a sometimes startling glimpse into nature's wonders that we often take for granted. Accompanied by remarkably appropriate musical selections, viewers find themselves mesmerized by the metamorphosis of air-borne seeds into glorious plants and flowers with the help of time-lapse photography.
Bees are seen as they go about the non-stop business of pollination, giving adage to the saying "busy as a bee." Ants are shown in their various classifications, from workers to warriors to the regal "queen." Countless protozoa are viewed in a single drop of water as the voice-over describes their role in the "big picture" of unseen nature.
The close-ups provide an intimacy which gives these oft-neglected organisms a "face." The folks at Disney once again bring subjects to life that heretofore were neglected.
Awards
- 1957 Berlin Film Festival: Golden Bear (Best Documentary)
References
- "Secrets of Life (1956) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- "Movie Review - Secrets of Life - Screen: 'Secrets of Life'; Disney True-Life Adventure, at Sutton, Observes Nature With Zest - NYTimes.com". Retrieved 1 November 2014.