The Living Desert (1953)

Documentary of the live of flora and fauna in a desert in the US.

Director:

James Algar

Writers:

James Algar (screenplay), Winston Hibler (screenplay),

Stars:

Winston Hibler

Won 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Winston Hibler	...	Narrator

Storyline

A day in the life of creatures living in a desert in the southwestern US is shown. Toads, reptiles, wild pigs, insects, mice and birds are followed going about their daily routine and the struggle to find food and not become it themselves.

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Plot Keywords:

true life adventure | nature

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Genres:

Family | Documentary

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 November 1953 (USA)

Also Known As:

A True-Life Adventure: The Living Desert

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

69 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When originally released to theaters in 1953, this 69-minute feature film was double billed with Walt Disney's 21-minute cartoon-short Ben and Me, as a 90-minute package deal.

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Connections

Followed by The African Lion (1955)

User Reviews

Beautiful and educational without being stuffy

Wow, what a nice film! It's true that they just don't make documentaries like this anymore. The Technicolor is gorgeous, and narrator's voice is classically 50's. The score is whimsically apt, and the whole effect is just campy fun. "The Living Desert" is a truly enjoyable film. It educates without lecturing - a rare and very appealing quality. Children and adults will both enjoy following the antics of the kangaroo rats and other creatures of the desert. This film is a great example of the kind of wonderful work the Disney studio used to produce. One note of caution - if you are squeamish about insects, spiders, or snakes, don't watch this!!! All three get plenty of screen time, in full-blown Technicolor close-ups. I definitely had to close my eyes when the tarantula was on screen. Eek!