Cowboys And Cutthroats: Rocky Mountain Fishing Adventure; Wapiti Creek: The Story Of The American Elk; Wildlife In Action, Vol. 4: High Arctic Close-Up/Destroyers Of Mountains

Nature films, like travel films, often seem to fall into the 'context of no- context'; i.e. footage seemingly assembled at random overlaid by a narration that leaps from bullfrogs to brussel sprouts with nary a hint of a bridge. Not so with Grunko. Although diverse in content, these three films share the elements of good nature filmmaking--excellent photography, attention to detail, and strong narrative focus. Cowboys and Cuttthroats takes viewers into Wyoming backwaters to fish the Yellowstone Cutthroat. The humorous repartee between the two principals (Frank Johnson and cut-up Alton Coulter) is balanced by the interesting historical detail provided by guide Nate Vance. The climactic scene, in which Frank and Alton fly-fish off their horses, is a howler. In Wapiti Creek, veteran nature photographer Bill Grunkemeyer visits the Rocky Mountain West region to photograph elk in their natural habitat. Similar to Marty Stouffer's Wild America series, the pacing and photography are excellent. Wildlife in Action, Vol. 4 explores two very different terrains, where the harsh habitat nevertheless supports a host of interesting flora and fauna: the high Artic Circle (where you'll even find bumblebees) and the eroding glaciers of the Rocky Mts. Highly recommended for public and school libraries. (Available from: Grunko Films, Inc.; 856 Coffeen Ave.; Sheridan, WY 82801). (Wapiti Creek review courtesy of James Scholtz, contributing editor of Librarian's Video Review, Rt. 1, Box 25; Bowling Green, VA 22427).