Among the Hardwoods

1936, 10 Minutes

This is a remarkable film on timber gathering in the great forests of Western Australia, from a time when logging was still regarded as romantic. The style is also remarkable, because the epic scenes of felling huge trees don’t have a commentary. However, it has retained its original intertitles.

Among the Hardwoods celebrates the nobility of work, but is also a fascinating film on work methods made with a great deal of skill and elegance.

Note: This documentary was originally produced as a silent film in 1926 but was re-released in 1936 with a soundtrack comprised entirely of natural sounds.

The Karri Forest 1963, 27 Minutes

Pemberton Forest, a Karri forest in the southwest region of Western Australia, is the site of a youth camp for school children. In this film, forest officers explain various aspects of forestry and associated industries to the students.