Encyclopædia Britannica Films

Every year, on June 27th, in a small village in New England, inhabited by no more than 300 people, a lottery is held in which a family is chosen as part of a ritual to ensure a good harvest.

Describes the making of a puppet in detail from the carving of the head to the fitting of the strings. Close-ups show how the movements of the various limbs are achieved and finally the film portrays a brief episode in the story of Hansel and Gretel.

The film "Lewis and Clark" chronicles the historic expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, beginning with their departure from St. Louis to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The story details their journey up the Mississippi River, through encounters with various Native American tribes, including their significant winter stay with the Mandan people in North Dakota. Here, they meet Charbonneau and his Shoshone wife, Sacajawea, who plays a crucial role as a guide and interpreter. The film follows their challenging trek through the Rockies and down the Columbia River, highlighting their scientific discoveries, including observations of natural resources, plants, animals, and topography. The expedition’s struggles and achievements underscore the spirit of exploration, culminating in their successful reach to the Pacific Coast. The film portrays their legacy as pioneers in opening the American West.

An introduction to Walt Whitman, American poet, essayist, and journalist. A world poet-a latter-day successor to Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Shakespeare.

Bartleby, an enigmatic man who calmly refuses to carry out his duties, is introduced in this period dramatization of Melville’s haunting story as a scrivener in a 1969 film production of Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation.

Using a scientific discovery approach, the film explains what wind is, how it forms, and its effects on the environment and human life. It demonstrates how wind can be both beneficial and destructive, showcasing real-world examples of wind-powered work, hurricanes, tornadoes, and sandstorms. Through engaging visuals and scientific observations, the film provides a comprehensive look at the power of wind, making it an informative resource for meteorology, earth science, and environmental studies.

Dramatization short on British romantic poet John Keats.

"Army Ants: A Study of Social Behavior" explores the complex social structures and behaviors of nomadic tropical army ants, which have evolved over 50 million years. The film details the organization of their colonies, consisting of a queen and thousands of workers, and illustrates their intricate foraging strategies during raids. Observations highlight the ants' ability to communicate through chemical trails, their unique nesting behaviors, and the dynamics of their reproductive cycles. The study emphasizes the importance of both field observations and laboratory experiments in understanding these fascinating insects.