Skip to content

The Far North

It’s the most common thing in the world now, so we’re surprised to find it lacking in a film: sound. The first sound film or talkie was made in 1927. Six years earlier, The Far North was made. In this Short for Kids, children will discover the effect of sound through this animated film that is now a century old. They will also learn how music influences our experience of film.

Walruses, polar bears and hot air balloons. Join Mutt and Jeff on their Arctic adventure in The Far North.

Watch The Far North (Raoul Barré & Charles R. Bowers, US 1921)

Still from The Far North (Raoul Barré & Charles R. Bowers, US 1921)
Still from The Far North (Raoul Barré & Charles R. Bowers, US 1921)

Sound

If you watch this animated film that is now a hundred years old, you’re bound to notice something unusual. And you’re right, this film has no sound. Back then, sound in film had not yet been invented. Film screenings in cinemas were usually accompanied by a pianist.

Assignment: film music

The music for a film is made by a film composer. Now imagine you’re the film composer of The Far North. What kind of music would fit this film? Chose the music you think is best. Now play the film with the music you’ve chosen at the same time. What kind of effect does it have?

Why not experiment with different styles while you’re at it. Chose something unusual, like rap or opera. What does it do for the image?

credits

Short for Kids is created by Taartrovers and Eye Filmmuseum's educational team.

Film credits

The Far North (Raoul Barré & Charles R. Bowers, US 1921)

Film theme

Music

Ages

6-10