Educational Media Reviews Online

This film is a concise history of how the Sierra Club evolved from a California association of rock climbers to an international ecological organization and the environmental conscience of western North America. It presents the history of the environmental movement in an engaging, sometimes awe-inspiring manner. Central to the story is a portrait of David Brower, who became the first Executive Director of the Sierra Club in 1952. Brower’s climbing exploits, including the first ascent of the “un-climbable” Ship Rock in New Mexico in the 1930’s, led him to training of American mountain/ski troops of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and combat success in the Italian campaign. Following the war, large-scale development efforts threatened the wilderness areas of the American West, including the area that became King’s Canyon National Park, as well as threatening the Yosemite ecosystem by easing automobile access to the Park. Brower recognized the political capital of the idea of “wilderness” and learned from his friend Ansel Adams how images of wild America could be used to influence citizens and politicians who had never experienced a particular wilderness area. Through Brower’s leadership, the Sierra Club saved King’s Canyon, banned dams within Dinosaur National Monument, saw the creation of Point Reyes and Cape Cod National Seashores as well as the North Cascades National Park and successfully opposed government efforts to flood portions of the Grand Canyon. Following his service as Sierra Club Executive Director, Brower founded the Friends of the Earth and established the Earth Island Institute.

The film is technically excellent, well narrated and edited. The historical wilderness footage from the 1930’s to the 1970’s was filmed by Brower or his associates. The earlier footage undoubtedly was “colorized,” but processed and edited so expertly that the scenes appear fresh and natural. The film is an opportunity for later generations to experience what the Sierra Club was able to save for their enjoyment, also, what was lost to us all as access to Yosemite was expanded and the Glen Canyon Dam was constructed. The film is wonderfully done and is full of unique images of the American wilderness of the past.

Brower’s accomplishments through his involvement with the Sierra Club were seminal efforts in promoting the concept of “wilderness” as an aesthetic and cultural value for humanity. This is a roadmap for environmental activism within “the system” that well may inspire students to consider their roles and what they can do to ensure that wild America is conserved for them and their descendents. Though left unstated in the film, the many examples of past treatments of resources (the mature redwood forest, for example) as commodities will remind viewers that their vigilance and thoughtful response to current and future assaults on our wilderness areas will be essential to preserving our outdoor heritage.