Mules

Re-released on video, Mules is a charming look at an often misunderstood creature. A hybrid resulting from a cross between a female horse and a male donkey, the mule has been around for about 3,000 years. Incredibly strong, mules have developed a reputation for being stubborn and stupid, when, in fact, they're not so much stubborn as smart. Unlike some pack animals, a mule will not work until it drops dead. Mules covers the history of mules, from the glory days of the 1880s, when 20-mule teams pulled borax out of Death Valley to the near disappearance of the mule during the 1930s when new technology made them obsolete for work purposes. Today, mules are a common sight in parades and at amusement parks, and dozens of publications are solely devoted to this enduring creature. As a mule aficionado will be quick to point out when commenting on the merits of mules: compared to the horse, mules don't panic as easily, they live longer, they're more durable, and they're less prone to disease. A good combination of historical and contemporary footage (including a great braying contest ...by humans, of course) and a wealth of mule tidbits make this an excellent program. Highly recommended. (See "IN QUEST OF PEACE" for availability.)