Isbjørnejagten
Also known as The Bear Hunt in the USA : [Polar Bear Hunt]
(1907) Denmark
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: Viggo Larsen, Ole Olsen, [?] Axel Graatkjær?
Nordisk Films Kompagni production; distributed by Nordisk Films Kompagni. / Produced by Ole Olsen. Cinematography by Axel Sørensen (Axel Graatkjær). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by Great Northern Film Company in April 1907.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Swiftly passing through seas of floating ice, a vessel with masts, spars and decks entirely covered with ice is seen pushing its way northward. Seagulls make the air black, and the crew, clothed in heavy furs, move lively, on the lookout for walrus, seal and Polar bear. Within full view are seen in rapid succession seals disporting themselves on the icy brink of bergs. Walrus, with their immense tusks, are shown cavorting through the water, plunging after fish. The comical penguins in great numbers get in front of the camera at close range. The wonderful and mysterious musk-ox in his native haunts is shown life-size, and stamping his disapproval of being brought into such close proximity to man, his natural enemy. Then the critical dramatic moment arrives when the hunters leave their ship and start across the icy fields after his majesty of the Arctic regions. Soon is seen an enormous white Polar bear, slowly meandering in his search for provender. He discovers the hunters, rears on his hind feet, ready to give battle. A masterful shot striking a vital point fells him and he is seen rolling in his own life’s blood. The hunters cautiously approach, and when fully convinced of the death of old Bruin, load him on their sleds and start for the ship. Finding the return trip too laborious, they unload their spoils and proceed to strip off the valuable, shaggy coat, remove a choice saddle of bear meat, and leaving the bare carcass freezing in the solitudes of the Arctic, trudge once more to their ship.
Survival status: The film is presumed lost.
Current rights holder: (unknown) [Denmark]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 28 December 2024.
References: Mottram-Danish p. 76 : Website-IMDb.
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