This documentary collection contains three classic documentary films about the electrification and industrialization of the Columbia River. From 1939 comes Hydro, a dramatic depression-era documentary chronicling the history and construction of integral parts of the Columbia River system. Hydro was made to educate past residents of the Pacific Northwest about the benefits of hydroelectric power. This documentary has a poetic angle, often describing the land in terms of value and subjugation popular at the time of production. Written by Stephen B. Khan of early documentary fame, Hydro seeks to sell the Bonneville Power Administration’s public works project to the public.
The Columbia: America’s Greatest Power Stream is somewhat of a remake of Hydro. Written by Stephen B. Khan as well, this documentary shies away from poetic propaganda, diving deeper into the history of the depression. The Columbia touches on World War II and the causes and effects that brought hydroelectric power to the Pacific Northwest.
The youngest film of the bunch was released in 1954. Look to The River describes in detail the industrial and economic boons granted by the Columbia River system. Unlike the other two documentaries, Look to the River is in color and features graphics.
If your history, engineering, or ecology classes touch on the Columbia River and its hydroelectric systems, all of these documentaries will serve you. Individually, I can see the most use in The Columbia: This documentary has a well-rounded style, great historical footage of river transport and construction of the various dams along the river, and features songs by Woody Guthrie.
Look to the River may lull younger audiences to sleep with its somber soundtrack and slow pace, but it contains interesting facts about the Bonneville Power Administration and various dams along the Columbia. Hydro has the least informative value for today's students, but fans of depression-era documentaries will be delighted to see this title.
In all, this documentary collection presents excellent value for collection development in public and educational libraries in the Pacific Northwest, though libraries in other regions may want to consider The Columbia Revisited if they are expanding their classic documentary collections. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Columbia Revisited belongs on classic documentary shelves.
What type of instructors would be most interested in this title?
Washington and Oregon history instructors would find the most general use in these titles, but ecology, engineering, and general history instructors may want to use these educational documentaries as well.