This series starts off with two movies. The first was made in 1932 and stars: The Marx Brothers. Groucho sings the movie’s theme song, "Everyone says I love you" in a canoe.

The second, a "guys flick" is often credited for igniting the modern canoeing revival.

#1a – Horse Feathers  Click>  

The first movie in the series “ Horse Feathers” is a great look at how things have changed in the last 70 years. That aside it is an extremely funny movie with some canoeing with state of the art special effect. Mind you in 1932 there were limitations. Whoever was the technical consultant to the movie had spent a few minutes in a canoe. My kids who are great at pointing out details quickly noted several things:

No PFDs

Hand position on paddle is correct.

Clothing looks like cotton why would anyone paddle in cotton

Some of the subtler details in the paddling sequence; is that stroke more than just splashing the water. The actual stroke is quite unique but someone was trying hard.

I really enjoyed how the boat seemed to be moving very quickly through the water without any paddling, I want that special effect next time I paddle the Harrison river.

The movie is worth finding and watching with the family so your kids can realize there is such a thing as B&W. My family was rolling on the floor with laughter many times as the kings of physical comedy were not politically correct but very funny.

Dave F. Miller

# 1b - Deliverance, - B. Reynolds   Click>  

Superb! I have rarely seen a better example of paddling than that shown in the clip from Deliverance. The initial hesitation on the part of the bow paddlers quickly turns into slick machine-like precision with both bow and stern ably switching sides for more adventageous splashing. The outfitting of the sturdy boats is one indication of the devotion these guys have to their sport. It is a mystery why they should be wearing PFD's. Some of the manoeuvers are truly brilliant and there is one moment where I truly thought that they might stop in an eddy but true to the spirit and energy of these atheletes they paddled backwards back into the flow and bravely spun their canoes. What else can be said of this 'too brief' show of expertise. Truly a classic. Two thumbs up!

Bert (review by B. Otter)