The Secrets of Life series (1934-50) may not conform to modern expectations of nature filmmaking, inclined as it is towards giving cute fluffy creatures human names and characteristics. But it couldn't be accused of shielding kiddies from the harsher realities of the food chain, as this exercise in ruthless Darwinism demonstrates to unintentionally hilarious effect. A more than usually eccentric narrator introduces us to the newborn bunny quartet of Donald, James, Charles and Clifford, but as the film's title gives away, "the boys" aren't all long for this world as they face an assault course of hungry owls, predatory badgers, shotgun-happy gardeners and aerial bombardment (no harm in a little anti-Nazi detour, this is 1942 after all). (from http://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-once-we-were-four-1942/)
January 1, 1942
Released
Once We Were Four
9min
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English
Part of
Includes: The Tough 'un, Nursery Island, He Would a-Wooing Go, Kings in Exile, Lupins, The Catch of the Season, Once We Were Four, Wisdom of the Wild, Hereford Pedigree Cattle, Roots, Ebb-tide, Some Flowering Plants, Fresh As a Daisy, Sally the Sparrow, Seashores, The Country Comes to Town, The Warblers, Perky Cockney, Memories, London Visitors, Looper Catapillars, The Rock Pool, The Willow Tree, Home of the Sea Birds, A Visit to Farne Island, On The Beach, Fast and Slow, Polly All Alone, Tongues and Tails, Overlooked, Singing While They Work, King of The Forest, The Pest, Safety First