Paddle to the Sea (1966)

This film recounts the adventures of a toy Native American canoe as it makes its way from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Director:

Bill Mason (as William Mason)

Writers:

Stanley Jackson (commentary), Holling C. Holling (based on the story by: "Paddle To The Sea")

Star:

Stanley Jackson

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Credited cast:
Stanley Jackson	...	Commentary (voice)

Storyline

This film recounts the adventures of a toy Native American canoe as it makes its way from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

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Plot Keywords:

native american | canoe | river | father son relationship | carving | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Short | Adventure | Family

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 February 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sti thalassa armenizoume

Company Credits

Production Co:

National Film Board of Canada (NFB),Favorite Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

28 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into 50 for 50: Volume 1, Tape 4: Children's Choice (1989)

User Reviews

A Great Little Story That's Fun For Kids & Senior Citizens

This was a nice little half-hour movie, which reminded me a bit of another film of similar length that was popular 50 years ago: The Red Balloon. "Paddle To The Sea," made 42 years ago, never got the publicity or achieved the popularity of "The Red Balloon" but if you liked the latter, you'll like this. I enjoyed them equally.

This is a Canadian movie which begins by showing a boy whittling this amazing piece of work: an Indian - very stoic looking - sitting in his canoe. On the side of the boat, he asks that anyone who handles this piece of art, "please throw it back in the water." The boy decides to let this boat go as far as it can in the water. Although he lives on a mountain, he knows once the ice of winter melts, the boat will slide down the steep hill into a small creek and then into a river, into a bigger river and, hopefully, all the way to Atlantic Ocean.

We (the camera) follow the progress of this little toy boat through several seasons, some human contact, some contact with sea creatures and birds. The little boat navigates down small rivers, rapids, whirlpools, big rivers, small lakes, big lakes, canals....you name it.

Unlike most of the reviewers here, I never saw this movie as a kid. I am only seeing it now as a 60-year-old man, but I enjoyed it as much as any kid. This is "good stuff" that should appeal to anyone.