In the Land of the War Canoes

Alternative title: In the Land of the Headhunters
Synopsis: A romanticised saga of Kwakiutl Indian life on the northwest coast of America, filmed in 1914 by Edward S Curtis, who was already famous for his still photographs of Indians, and his writings about them. It concerns the effort of a young Kwakiutl man to obtain his chosen bride, and is clearly much affected by the conventions about film content current in 1914. Despite the story, the use made of Kwakiutl actors and artefacts is of interest. The film was re-edited in 1972 and given a sound track of authentic Kwakiutl speech, chants, singing and instrumental music with the assistance of Kwakiutl consultants.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Film; Film. 16mm. sd. b&w. 47 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1972
Availability: Hire
Notes: Original title: IN THE LAND OF THE HEADHUNTERS, produced by Seattle (Washington) Films.
Keywords: dramatised documentary films; Indians of North & South America; Kwakiutl

Director

Edward S Curtis

Contributor

Bill Holm; David Gerth; George Quimby

Cast

Margaret Frank

Name: Royal Anthropological Institute Film & Video Library, c/o Concord Media
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