THUNDERING WATERS
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Year Published: 1940s
Format: 16mm
Description: This late 1940s/early 1950s travelogue advertises experiences visitors may enjoy at and around Niagara Falls. It opens with an aerial shot (0:15) and then closer views of the "cataract" (waterfall). Tourists observe from various angles. Cut to illustrated map (0:40) detailing U.S.–Canada borders, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Shots of the river illustrate while the narrator explains the concept of increasingly forceful moving water approaching the cataract. Aerial and ground-level views of the narrow gorge beyond the cataract (1:03) are followed by wider shots of Lake Ontario (1:16). Another illustrated map appears: the American Northeast / Canadian southwest, with states, provinces, and key bodies of water marked (Atlantic Ocean; St. Lawrence River and Gulf). A diagram appears of the upper / lower falls with internal drop distances marked (1:33). Wide-angle and aerial shots of the falls (2:07–2:36) followed by the gorge (escarpment) (2:37). The narrator highlights geological features. We tour the surrounding landscape (2:50). The words "Niagara Power" appear onscreen (3:13). The narrator hails "the dawn of the electrical age" over footage of rapidly-moving water close to the cataract. The diagram is shown again (3:27) followed by hydroelectric generating plant infrastructure (3:32), including a transformer tower (3:45). Tourists emerge from a train (3:48); some of these "carefree visitors" board horse-drawn buggies. A sign appears: "Niagara Reservation State Park; To the Falls" (4:00). We tour Prospect Point (4:06) and its lookout. At 4:20, the passenger-filled "excursion steamer" is in the gorge. A rainbow appears within the mist. Tourists take in the falls from below (4:29). We begin exploring other local recreation destinations, like Niagara Reservation State Park (4:44). A sign for "American Falls, Luna Island" (5:16) is followed by scenes of a pavilion (5:20) as the narrator details tourist opportunities at Goat and Luna island over clips of families and visitors strolling and gathering at lookouts. A small pedestrian bridge passes over water (5:34), and we view the falls from above (5:46) with structures partially visible below (through mist). We see catwalks and platforms (5:50) leading visitors to the "Cave of the Wind" at the falls’ base. Again, we see a panoramic view (6:23) followed by a sign for Horseshoe Falls and Terrapin Point (with a restaurant, 6:28). Terrapin Rocks viewpoint is shown from above. Another sign appears for "Three Sisters Islands" (6:47). Four people navigate a rocky shore (including women in heels having difficulty). Another pedestrian bridge appears (7:01) and a river shot (7:05–7:21). The mixed-use Rainbow Bridge (7:31) with Canadian city visible and American and Canadian flags flying at the border. The Sir Harry Oakes garden is shown (7:42) including the amphitheater (8:01) and falls in view (8:08). The "Maid of the Mist" steamboat is featured (8:13); we see the access via inclined railway (8:20–8:30). Passengers board the steamboat. We see various shots of them wearing protective raincoats enjoying the falls / mist (9:00). A panning shot of the falls (9:19). Cars drive on a forest-lined road (9:42). Introduction of Victoria Park, with footpaths, driveways, and horse-drawn carriages. We learn about a restaurant terrace with scenic views (10:13) and the falls by night (10:25), illuminated with colorful searchlights. We move to "Whirlpool Rapids" (10:46) where visitors disembark from horse-drawn carriages and observe. The "raging waters" are discussed, including a slow-motion shot (11:18). A Canadian flag is flying (11:37). We move to another whirlpool area, including Spanish cable car viewing (11:48). The narrator explains that a glacial flood carved the river. At 12:36, we see a memorial statue of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock (Canadian of War of 1812 fame) at Queenston Heights and people enjoying the park. We are encouraged to "Visit Historic Fort George" (13:00) via graphic with red-uniformed solider. We briefly tour the fort (13:06), including cannons (13:14) and visiting Americans (13:18). We move to "Old Fort Niagara," "the most historic spot in America," according to an illustrated sign (13:25). We tour the fort, see three flags waving, and the narrator reviews brief historical context, including Treaty of Ghent. We tour "Old Fort Erie" (14:15) and see visiting girls chatting with red-clad soldiers and inspecting cannons (14:43). Niagara falls is shown in winter (14:55). It closes with a rainbow over the falls (15:42).
Complete Record: This late 1940s/early 1950s travelogue advertises experiences visitors may enjoy at and around Niagara Falls. It opens with an aerial shot (0:15) and then closer views of the "cataract" (waterfall). Tourists observe from various angles. Cut to illustrated map (0:40) detailing U.S.–Canada borders, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Shots of the river illustrate while the narrator explains the concept of increasingly forceful moving water approaching the cataract. Aerial and ground-level views of the narrow gorge beyond the cataract (1:03) are followed by wider shots of Lake Ontario (1:16). Another illustrated map appears: the American Northeast / Canadian southwest, with states, provinces, and key bodies of water marked (Atlantic Ocean; St. Lawrence River and Gulf). A diagram appears of the upper / lower falls with internal drop distances marked (1:33). Wide-angle and aerial shots of the falls (2:07–2:36) followed by the gorge (escarpment) (2:37). The narrator highlights geological features. We tour the surrounding landscape (2:50). The words "Niagara Power" appear onscreen (3:13). The narrator hails "the dawn of the electrical age" over footage of rapidly-moving water close to the cataract. The diagram is shown again (3:27) followed by hydroelectric generating plant infrastructure (3:32), including a transformer tower (3:45). Tourists emerge from a train (3:48); some of these "carefree visitors" board horse-drawn buggies. A sign appears: "Niagara Reservation State Park; To the Falls" (4:00). We tour Prospect Point (4:06) and its lookout. At 4:20, the passenger-filled "excursion steamer" is in the gorge. A rainbow appears within the mist. Tourists take in the falls from below (4:29). We begin exploring other local recreation destinations, like Niagara Reservation State Park (4:44). A sign for "American Falls, Luna Island" (5:16) is followed by scenes of a pavilion (5:20) as the narrator details tourist opportunities at Goat and Luna island over clips of families and visitors strolling and gathering at lookouts. A small pedestrian bridge passes over water (5:34), and we view the falls from above (5:46) with structures partially visible below (through mist). We see catwalks and platforms (5:50) leading visitors to the "Cave of the Wind" at the falls’ base. Again, we see a panoramic view (6:23) followed by a sign for Horseshoe Falls and Terrapin Point (with a restaurant, 6:28). Terrapin Rocks viewpoint is shown from above. Another sign appears for "Three Sisters Islands" (6:47). Four people navigate a rocky shore (including women in heels having difficulty). Another pedestrian bridge appears (7:01) and a river shot (7:05–7:21). The mixed-use Rainbow Bridge (7:31) with Canadian city visible and American and Canadian flags flying at the border. The Sir Harry Oakes garden is shown (7:42) including the amphitheater (8:01) and falls in view (8:08). The "Maid of the Mist" steamboat is featured (8:13); we see the access via inclined railway (8:20–8:30). Passengers board the steamboat. We see various shots of them wearing protective raincoats enjoying the falls / mist (9:00). A panning shot of the falls (9:19). Cars drive on a forest-lined road (9:42). Introduction of Victoria Park, with footpaths, driveways, and horse-drawn carriages. We learn about a restaurant terrace with scenic views (10:13) and the falls by night (10:25), illuminated with colorful searchlights. We move to "Whirlpool Rapids" (10:46) where visitors disembark from horse-drawn carriages and observe. The "raging waters" are discussed, including a slow-motion shot (11:18). A Canadian flag is flying (11:37). We move to another whirlpool area, including Spanish cable car viewing (11:48). The narrator explains that a glacial flood carved the river. At 12:36, we see a memorial statue of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock (Canadian of War of 1812 fame) at Queenston Heights and people enjoying the park. We are encouraged to "Visit Historic Fort George" (13:00) via graphic with red-uniformed solider. We briefly tour the fort (13:06), including cannons (13:14) and visiting Americans (13:18). We move to "Old Fort Niagara," "the most historic spot in America," according to an illustrated sign (13:25). We tour the fort, see three flags waving, and the narrator reviews brief historical context, including Treaty of Ghent. We tour "Old Fort Erie" (14:15) and see visiting girls chatting with red-clad soldiers and inspecting cannons (14:43). Niagara falls is shown in winter (14:55). It closes with a rainbow over the falls (15:42).
Transcription
[Music] since the days of early exploration in america the falls of niagara have been heralded as the queen of wonders one of nature's great masterpieces no other spectacle of nature draws with equal force the scientists and naturalists geologic and scenic wonder of a continent niagara is one of the most remarkable streams in the world its moods are varied growing more violent as it nears the falls [Music] then for several miles the torrent leaps and surges through the walls of a deep narrow gorge finally flowing through a broad open plane into lake ontario [Music] beyond ontario these waters of half a continent reached the sea through the broad saint lawrence river [Music] niagara's tumultuous race from erie to ontario is the result of its descending approximately 327 feet in 35 miles 69 feet from lake erie to the falls 160 feet in the falls and 98 feet from the falls to lake ontario the falls of niagara occur about midway in the river's courts and consist of two main cataracts separated by a group of small islands the american falls about 1 000 feet wide and the canadian or horseshoe falls nearly 3 000 feet across [Music] geologists tell us that the falls originated here at the escarpment some seven miles below their present site at this point a single great cataract once spilled directly into lake ontario which covered the present lower plains throughout thousands of intervening years ontario's waters gradually subsided and the river by the erosive action of its falls sawed its gorge upstream thank you here then is power stupendous power that fired man's inventive genius the dawn of the electrical age found niagara's enormous flow and concentrated fall suited for a power development unequal throughout the world no costly dams were needed at niagara only the simple diversion of its waters to huge hydroelectric generating plants [Music] leisure provides the visitor to niagara with a rich reward of memorable experience let's follow these carefree visitors on their exciting tour of america's grandest scenic spectacle [Music] at prospect point on the very brink of niagara one experiences the fascination of the mighty cataract each passing moment deepening the impression of nature's work [Music] in the gorge below the staunch excursion steamer made of the mist plows through the spray that rises rainbow struck from the deep chasm from the base of the cataract gazing up at the ceaseless avalanche one feels the full majesty of niagara but niagara's charm will be apparent from dozens of vantage points bordering the river above the falls the niagara reservation state park offers exciting views of the river's changing mood their broad and places here roiled in violence divided by goat island the waters cascade toward the great chasm in its approach to the falls the river dropped some 55 feet in metal of surging rapids [Music] goat island and its smaller companion luna island are other favorite spots for viewing the fall where striking panoramas are unfolding [Music] here is lavish blending of green forage blue sky and the sea green torrent that tumbles in lacy patterns [Music] one of niagara's more thrilling adventures is the trip to the cave of the wind guided tour parties are conducted over a route of specially constructed catwalks and observation platforms through swirling spray into the very teeth of the mighty [Music] cataract [Music] the veiled sweep of horseshoe falls invites closer observation [Music] on the american side it is best seen from terrapin rocks a thrilling panorama of the colossus of niagara and of the gating chasm that stretches [Music] below [Music] nestled close to their mother island are the three sister islands and the fourth little brother island this attractive cluster reached by foot ridge from goat island affords a variety of picturesque views of the merrily dancing river [Music] nature has given to canada the more expansive beauty of the entire niagara panorama spanning the international border the arts rainbow bridge leads to new and intriguing views notable among man's contributions to niagara's splendor are the extensive formal gardens fronting on the gorge overlooking the fall the gift of the late sir harry oates whose navy's lovely garden bear in this magnificent amphitheater terrace gardens and lawn provide a more formal setting for the abundant natural beauty of the falls let's take another look at the maid of the mist a trip on this sturdy steamer is a must for every visitor to niagara the descent to its landing in the gorge is accomplished by an inclined railway [Music] this tiny vessel is a veteran of the niagara sea carrying literally thousands of eager voyagers each year passengers are provided with flickers and sources for protection against the heavy sprays as the craft follows a thrilling course almost to the base of the thundering cataracts [Music] from her decks we get unique views of the falls at close range perspectives that are available from no other vantage point [Music] a cruise on this picturesque steamer is a refreshing energy one that will be remembered by all the braves of spray and thunder [Music] victoria park which parallels the river office of the wall is a sylvan paradise that invites the weary to carry and rest sitters who follow driveways and footpaths in this enchanting area are rewarded with delightful views at every turn [Music] park restaurant offers delicious food served on a terrace in full view of the fall [Music] nightfall does not ring down the curtain on niagara's glorious spectacles 24 giant searchlights flash more than a billion candle power to illuminate the cataracts in a stirring fantasy of light and color other wonders of the niagara sea beckon us appeal perhaps to the deep gorge below the falls and the tempestuous rapids leading to the whirlpool the waters from superior michigan euron and erie are funneled at express train speed through a chasm scarcely 300 feet wide racing leaping boiling in their steep dispensers the savage force of niagara's power is revealed in these slow motion pictures as the on-rushing river builds up in giant waves of unbridled fury [Music] [Music] so among the attractions for visitors still another is outstanding the vast and sinister whirlpool and the thrilling trip by cable car high above its angry waters this observation car operating on cable suspended 200 feet above the river affords its passengers ringside steel viewing another of niagara's amazing geological aspects at this point a mighty glacier once blocked the river's course turning it on a new right angle tank the rushing flood has carved a vast circular base [Music] new niagara belongs a rich heritage of historic lore this lofty shaft on queenston heights overlooking the river commemorates the name and fame of canada's national hero sir isaac brock marking his tomb in the spite of a fierce battle in the war of [Music] 1812 built shortly before the troubled days of 1812 picturesque fort george was designed originally to keep americans off british soil today americans are invited to visit this historic site faithfully restored to its original state [Music] on the american side at the point where niagara empties into lake ontario an earlier fort had been built by the french under lasalle captured by the british it was occupied in turn by united states forces recaptured by the british during the war of 1812 it came finally into united states possession under the treaty of ghent with its buildings of french british and american origin fully restored all fort niagara is maintained as an international patriotic shrine [Music] at the head of niagara on lake erie opposite buffalo is a restoration of fort erie whose history dates back nearly 200 years falling to an american assault in the war of 1812 because later by the british the old fort was the scene of one of the most desperate struggles along the entire niagara peninsula but it is in majestic beauty and grandeur that niagara reigns unchallenged queen of wonders like other gifts like other gifts of nature niagara acquires new character and fresh beauty for the changing season few spectacles can surpass niagara and full winter regalia niagara will call you again and again each visit will open new vistas of this ageless and immortal work of nature you
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