Those Calloways

Those Calloways is an intriguing film released on January 28, 1965, directed by Norman Tokar and produced by Walt Disney Productions. The leading roles are skillfully played by Brian Keith, Vera Miles, and Brandon De Wilde. Based on the book Swiftwater by Paul Annixter, the story portrays an unyielding pursuit for a dream set amidst the allure of nature and its preservation against the pull of commercial advances.

The story is centred on Cam Calloway (Brian Keith)—a trapper by profession and a nature enthusiast at heart—who lives with his wife, Liddy (Vera Miles), and their teenage son, Bucky (Brandon De Wilde), in a small Vermont community in the 1920’s era. Through their simple yet immersive storytelling and characters, the movie punctuates the need for environmental conservation while depicting the age-old conflict between human aspirations and the relentless march of commercialization.

Cam Calloway's consuming passion is to establish a sanctuary for the Canadian geese that fly south every year to the peaceful Wood Lake in Vermont. The film showcases the lengths that he is willing to go to protect these geese from becoming the target of hunting games during the migration season. His dream calls for financial sacrifices that strain the humble means of the family and create tension between him and his supportive but pragmatically inclined wife, Liddy, and his reluctant son, Bucky.

His aspiration and work to save the sanctuary face numerous struggles, powered by the rural community’s interests. The wealthy businessmen in the community have different plans for the area, desiring to transform it into a moneymaking hunting playground and lodge, which is completely in contrast to the Calloways' dream.

Despite the socio-economic pressures, the Calloways steadfastly and tenaciously strive to fulfill their dream, fighting against the tide and standing up for their beliefs. Brian Keith, who rigorously embodies Cam's audacious and fearless personality unaffected by societal judgment, drives a commanding performance with his strong personality and relentless pursuit of a righteous cause. Vera Miles as Liddy complements him with her understated yet compelling portrayal of a supportive wife who is torn between her husband's idealistic dreams and the practical struggles of their life.

Brandon De Wilde, who plays their son Bucky, exhibits a wonderful journey of a son who initially feels ashamed about his father's ideology but eventually grasps his father's vision and values. His transformation is a gentle reminder to the audience about how such honorable dreams and values can often require a vascular understanding and acceptance, paving the way for continued preservation of nature.

Visually, the movie serves as an excellent landscape cinema that reels the audience in with its wide-angle shots of eye-catching Vermont sceneries and flocks of geese in flight, effectively driving home the point about the importance of wildlife conservation. These breathtaking shots were made possible by the exceptional work of cinematographer Edward Colman.

The score composed by Max Steiner enhances the narrative through its soothing and poignant tunes, effectively complementing various emotional tones throughout the film. The setting, narrative, cinematography, music, and performances all tie together beautifully to push forward the movie's underlying message.

Though the movie is set in the 1920s, the theme of Those Calloways is eternally relevant—the absolute importance of preserving natural habitats and understanding their significance. The characterization, performances, and breathtaking settings string together to provide deep emotional exposure to this distinct tale of humanity, dreams, struggles, and the undying spirit of conservation. The movie is an essential call through time for humanity to appreciate and conserve the bounties of nature that we are often eager to exploit. It takes us on a journey that teaches us about the power of holding onto and realizing our dreams, even when the odds against us might seem formidable.