Bus Invasion

7 May 2008

As I went through the procedure, just now, of viewing this photo on flickr, choosing the view sizes option, and ultimately copying and pasting in the correct url, I was forced to view this photo for a moment in its large size.  At full screen width, you can clearly see the children pouring off these buses, and I was reminded of an animated film I’d seen as a child.  I’ve thought often of this film, but I know not a title, or anything further about it. It’s probably been thirty years since I’ve seen it. ****make that forty!) **** If anyone out there has any information about it I’d appreciate it.  I’d sure love to have a copy!

****addendum:  After a little bit of research, I have discovered that the name of the film is What on Earth! and that it was directed by Les Drew in 1966, and nominated for an Academy Award in 1968.  The narrator I reference, is actually the voice of a Martian visitor who has judged the automobile to be the true inhabitants of the Earth, and we humans mere parasites. ****

It is, as I said, an animated film, with a narrator—much like a Goofy short from the Walt Disney Studios.  In fact, this may be a Disney film, but I really think if I had to guess, I’d pin it on Warner Brothers.  But, at any rate, it discusses life on planet earth and shows images of highways and cloverleafs and cities and houses and cars and trucks.  But, it’s not until the very end that a vehicle parks, and small creatures emerge from it, and go into a house (I believe), that you realize the whole film has been presented as though the “life” on earth IS the vehicles themselves.  The beings within are referred to as “parasites” in the final moments of this clever little film. 

That’s the way I viewed the children leaving these buses . . .

The second of our Kids’ Days dawned with the threat of more rain, and the worries that the thousands of young feet would destroy our site, as they did a year ago.  But, in fact, there was very little rain all day–just a light misting, really—and none of the severe thunderstorms and hail that was foretold by meterorologists.  The crowd of kids was pretty big, but far less unruly that anticipated, also.  I stayed largely in the background, sitting and working on building chain girdles and chains of office.  Marcus and Mary more than adequately manned the East Wind Games booth, and Donny and Garry controlled the Pendragon booth.  I had the much-appreciated opportunity to visit with Miss Dana Browne as she did some needlework, and then with Bill Teel, as we discussed historical fashions and customs until we bored Donny and Garry silly, I’m sure.  The guys got involved in the discussion when it turned to weaponry, and I’m afraid that’s where I bowed out!  But, all in all, it was not nearly the awful day I’d dreaded.  I really had a good time.   Perhaps with a happier taste in my mouth about it, I’ll get on the ball and do more with my “Costume Museum” for next year. 

I  had a delightful surprise when I returned home—my husband was already home!  After a short time, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to steal a couple of hours and go see a movie!  So, off to Iron Man we went!  What a pleasure!  And not just the company!  The movie is great!  It is a very honourable update of the Iron Man story.  The acting is well-done, the plot is good and solid, and the special effects are out of this world.  We enjoyed it very much, and even enjoyed our food at The Movie Tavern.  It was a good evening.

~MB