Nation on Film: Kearton's Wildlife
(2006)
A historical review of wildlife photography and filmmaking in the early 20th century, Kearton's Wildlife celebrates the life and works of the hugely popular naturalist Cherry Kearton. Interspersed with his own remarkable footage, the production explores his groundbreaking work, charting his rise from amateur naturalist on his father's Yorkshire farm to an international star of the silver screen.
Kearton travelled the world to capture wildlife images cinema audiences had never seen before, and this half hour programme provides an interesting glimpse into the pioneering photographic techniques he developed, together with his brother Richard. Using ladders, special tripods and hides made from dead animals, Kearton obtained the first moving images of a whole host of wild animals, particularly from Africa.
Narrated by David Jason, the show includes interviews with David Attenborough and Chris Packham, discussing the enormous contribution Kearton made to wildlife filmmaking. Paying tribute to a charismatic and hugely influential man, Nation on Film: Kearton's Wildlife is an entertaining portrayal of Britain's first wildlife presenter and filmmaker.
Cherry Kearton
