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Living the Good Life
with Helen and Scott Nearing
A portrait of the daily life of America's most famous back-to-the-landers.
30 minutes
Directed by John Hoskyns-Abrahall
Produced by Bullfrog Films
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"A highly significant film for our times dealing...with an individual's search for autonomy." Studs Terkel, author of "Working"
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A much-loved film about a remarkable couple. During the Great Depression Helen and Scott Nearing quit city life and moved to Vermont. He was a brilliant economist, she a concert violinist. Together they made Forest Farm synonymous with the ideal homestead. In the noble tradition of Thoreau, Scott was an influential figure in American life for nearly 70 years. Scott died in 1983 shortly after his 100th birthday, Helen lived into her 90's.
Filmed in 1976 when Helen was 74 and Scott 93, the Nearings are seen still growing their own food, cutting firewood for fuel, and putting the finishing touches on a large stone home built by hand.
Through their books, public appearances, and by the example of their lives, the Nearings remain an inspiration.
Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1977
Copyright Date: 1977
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-608-X
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-808-1
Reviews
"I found it terribly moving. A highly significant film for our times dealing as it does with an individual's search for autonomy." Studs Terkel, author of Working
"The maverick couple make excellent subjects; the film vividly presents their lifestyle and ideal...It would spark interesting discussions for the whole system of agriculture in this country and of how one or two people can make a difference." Green Gems: The Environmental Film Guide
"A fascinating story of two 'elderly' people carrying on an active, fulfilling life." Social Education
"His laugh and her singing make it magic." Robbie Fanning, Menlo
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Awards and Festivals
CINE Golden Eagle
Silver Plaque, Chicago International Film Festival
Silver Cindy, IFPA
American Film Festival
Certificate of Excellence, Audubon International Environmental Film Festival
U.S. Representative, Nyon (Switzerland) Film Festival
Subjects
Aging
American Studies
Biography
Citizenship
Environment
Environmental Ethics
Gardening
History
Humanities
Social Psychology
Voluntary Simplicity
Related Titles
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A moving portrait of the lives and deaths of homesteading authors, Helen and Scott Nearing.
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Simple living and its rewards.
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Circle of Plenty
John Jeavons demonstrates biointensive agriculture as a way to alleviate world hunger.
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