Going back to its early days with Bambi, Disney films have focused on conservation and showing a love of nature. A prominent example is the 14 True-Life Adventure films released from 1948 to 1960. The series began with Seal Island and included seven shorts before evolving into feature films with The Living Desert in 1953. Select films are currently available on Disney Plus and definitely worth your time. One of those options is In Beaver Valley, which was the second True-Life Adventure. Arriving in July of 1950, this 30-minute film earned the Oscar for Best Short Subject. It gives an interesting look at how Disney presented the beauty of the wild.
Also known as just Beaver Valley, this film sets the stage with an animated opening. Narrator Winston Hibler describes the rocky wall of the Continental Divide and introduces this unknown valley. In his book True-Life Adventures, Christian Moran describes Walt Disney’s close involvement to choose the topic. Alfred and Emma Milotte traveled to Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park to present a year in a beaver’s life. Director James Algar, Walt, Editor Norman “Stormy” Palmer, and others used this footage to develop the “story”.
This film’s tone is light-hearted, with music used to make the natural cycle feel charming. The script also regularly finds ways to connect animals’ daily activities to our lives. The beaver faces a “housing problem” with too many babies and in-laws living with him. He also protects a young widow and performs multiple jobs. It seems okay when you consider the era, but this is not hard-nosed reporting. Hibler is a familiar voice from of these films, and he generally describes the events in a direct way.
A Frog Symphony
The film’s title sets the framework for the story, but much of the action involves other animals. One highlight presents the “soulful serenade of a lovelorn frog” along with up-close footage. The sounds appear as a song that could easily appear in Disney’s animated films. This symphony is silly but finds a lively way to present striking nature footage. The sounds were created in the studios, but it is easy to forget that during the scene. While not directly connected to the beaver’s daily world, it expands the tale to spotlight the circle of life.
A similar example is the sequence presented salmon spawning in the rapids. The camera moves underwater to give a close view of the dangerous moves. Along with challenges from the rocks, a hungry bear (called the “Prince of Darkness” by Hibbler) stalks his prey. It becomes tricky to present this type of moment in a Disney film, but it mostly works. A later scene with a coyote is less effective and feels staged for the cameras. There is a reason for the vibe. Moran explains in his book that the Milottes added a large glass wall to ensure the coyote wouldn’t harm the beaver. I failed to realize this fact while watching In Beaver Valley, but it did not surprise me.
The Chief Conservationist
Periodically, we catch up with the beaver’s latest activities as each season progresses. Hibler describes him as the “chief conservationist” and a true pioneer with the dams. Strangely, the beaver scenes are not the most interesting segments. He goes about his job while nature moves around him. A pack of zany otters arrive while the beaver just puts his head down and works. Hibler describes the otters as a “pack of traveling clowns” and even as “gypsies”, which is an unfortunate word choice.
What makes In Beaver Valley worthwhile is the nature footage, especially in winter. The short running time is perfect for a quick viewing. It is easy to watch, includes some fun moments, and presents a majestic landscape. Attractive shots of the sunset and a crescent moon provide a cool backdrop for the life of the humble beaver. It provides a relaxing glimpse of nature into a place we rarely see.
In Beaver Valley is available for streaming on Disney Plus. It’s also part of the True-Life Adventures, Vol. 1: Wonders of the World DVD in the Walt Disney Legacy Collection.
Related Articles: In Beaver Valley
Book Review: True-Life Adventures by Christian Moran
Tomorrow Society Podcast #29: Christian Moran, True-Life Adventures
This post contains affiliate links. Making any purchase through those links supports this site. See full disclosure.
Leave a Reply