"The subject of 'Nation Builders'—the history of Australia—is without doubt the most ambitious ever undertaken by any amateur filmer. The fact that the project was successful is in itself a tribute to Sherlock's skill. Granted that in connection with the 150th anniversary of his nation's founding there were pageants re-enacting historic events and an opportunity for an alter filmster to photograph them: but how many times have not other amateurs scored dismal failures trying the same thing? Filming such a pageant, it is all too easy to capture only the impression of history actually happening. The twentieth century background which must so often have been just beyond the camera-lines was never permitted to intrude upon his eighteenth and nineteenth century action." American Cinematographer, Feb. 1939, 61.
"In this year's goodly collection of films based largely on extension tube cinematography, Nature in the Garden by W. G. Nicholls tops not only the excellent pictures of many other contestants, but also his own Ladybird, a ten best award winner in 1953. Nature in the Garden is an instructional film pure and simple, chock full of facts to please the most apathetic, as well as the most enthusiastic, bug-viewer. Excellent technical work by a master student of both nature and cinematography has resulted in outstanding and often exciting closeups of bees, spiders, moths and other insects. Skillful editing and an unobtrusive yet informative narrative make Mr. Nicholls' production an exceptional short subject. To this teacher, Nature in the Garden is definitely superior to most of the professional nature films now being circulated in American educational circles" PSA Journal, Jan. 1955, 49.
"Life-cycle phases and characteristics of frogs, toads and salamanders found in BC." (BC Archives)
"Oolichan fishing; the preparation and rendering of oil from oolichans by the Kwakiutl [First Nation]." (Camera West)
The oolichan or eulachon, sometimes known as the "candlefish," provides an oil or grease which is a historic dietary staple of the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
"Plants and birds in a BC marsh."(BC Archives)
"Animals found in the mountains of BC: birds, squirrels, chipmunks, black bear, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, etc." (BC Archives)
This film appears to have been made during the years 1944-1950.
"Zoological survey trip to Triangle Island; sea lions, puffins, and other birds, plus Indian artifacts." (BC Archives)
"The evolution and variety of reptiles, including tortoises, snakes and lizards." (BC Archives)
"Seashore plant and animal life (e.g., crustaceans, anemones, worms, octopus, jellyfish, etc.)" (BC Archives)
Also exists in a shorter version called Sea Creatures, which was probably edited from the original film for classroom use in 1969..
"Marine mammals of the Pacific Coast: sea lions, sea otters, fur and harbour seals, porpoises, killer whales. Also: Indian whaling techniques; whaling ship Westwhale; processing of whale carcasses at Coal Harbour whaling station." (BC Archives)
Film includes some footage provided to Dr. Carl by the Western Whaling Corporation.
Total Pages: 14
Amateur Cinema