Those words, from the narrator, suddenly came back to me yesterday after 35 years for some reason... tonight thanks to the wonders of the internet I discovered that it was "The Last of the Curlews" that I'm remembering. I recall the father and son going hunting... I remember watching it with my dad when I was 7 years old, and near the end asking my dad if the male curlews have that spot on their chest... and even then knowing that the spot was blood, where the poor bird had been shot, and just not wanting to think that was what really had happened because it was just too horrifying. Maybe back then the so-called "liberal media" really WAS liberal, with ABC showing a movie like this... maybe this film is one reason that all these decades later I'm still a card-carrying tree-hugging bird-watching vegetarian greenie... anyway I'm still disturbed by the few memories I have of it, nearly four decades later, so I guess it made quite an impression. I only wish it could have made an impression on more people... maybe fewer species would be extinct now.
13 Reviews
A truly sad story
SashaDabinski19 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Back in the 70s I was home one afternoon with not much to do and was channel surfing...all 9 or 10 back then when I came across this little feature. It was so intriguing to watch and as it got near the end I felt uplifted and then the tragic end. I don't mind saying I was 25 or so and cried my eyes out. If you remember Bambi's mother getting killed and Ol' Yeller being put down then you know what I mean. If you ever get a chance to view this, please do it is an excellent short that really has meaning, even today. The animation was wonderful. The dialog was well written and easy to follow along and made this story so enjoyable. Would love to see it again sometime.
Once, long ago
Rosettes12 March 2009
Ouch.
Up to two days ago, I did not know that what I had come across as a child was this. I had caught it maybe halfway thru and the memory of the last 5 minutes of it has been with me forever, yanking at the heart strings with each time I remember.....though I remembered them more like sparrows and not like snipes.
It's powerful, powerful in memory and powerful in that now I have located a source, I'm not sure I could bear to watch it, knowing what is to come, even though it has been 20-30 years since I've seen it. Of course, as an adult, I can use all the compensating techniques that comes with being adult........but I wouldn't want to.
Unlike the others who have commented here, I never talked about it the decades before. I suppose being able to do so "now" changes the impact for in the 5 minutes it has taken me to write these 2 paragraphs, being able to see it again becomes an easier thought to approach.
Which is probably part of its impact; it is about being alone and being alone is such a terrible thing. One needs to share something at least.
Up to two days ago, I did not know that what I had come across as a child was this. I had caught it maybe halfway thru and the memory of the last 5 minutes of it has been with me forever, yanking at the heart strings with each time I remember.....though I remembered them more like sparrows and not like snipes.
It's powerful, powerful in memory and powerful in that now I have located a source, I'm not sure I could bear to watch it, knowing what is to come, even though it has been 20-30 years since I've seen it. Of course, as an adult, I can use all the compensating techniques that comes with being adult........but I wouldn't want to.
Unlike the others who have commented here, I never talked about it the decades before. I suppose being able to do so "now" changes the impact for in the 5 minutes it has taken me to write these 2 paragraphs, being able to see it again becomes an easier thought to approach.
Which is probably part of its impact; it is about being alone and being alone is such a terrible thing. One needs to share something at least.
An excellent short, animated film. More important today than 30 years ago
lilylilac5968 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
My Uncle, Ed Aardal was an animator on this film. It wasn't often that he would call us from Hollywood and give us a "Heads Up" as he did for "The Last of the Curlews". He had worked on many Major Animated films while working for Disney Studio's 40 years, but was never more proud of any work. I read here that it won an Emmy for animation in 1973. He had worked for Walt Disney since the 30's leaving the Disney Studio's after Walt passed away. Then while working for Hanna-Barbera, he had the opportunity to work on this great animated film.
I watched the special when it first aired and I truly wish it were available now on video. The lessons and morality it addresses are more important now than it was nearly 50 years ago. It really Was the Last of the Curlews, the last Eskimo Curlew seen was in Texas, 1962. They used to number in the millions, darkening the sky with their numbers. They are all gone now, extinct. Lesson's learned? Unfortunately not. It would please my Uncle so much to read the memories left here for only an hour show, seen only by children and Mother's at home at 4 in the afternoon, in just one airing. I am very proud to read that others still remember this film and I know my Uncle would be too. If anyone knows where this film short might be archived, please post the location here so that others might also enjoy it now it.
Thanks so much, ~Lynda Dillon-Silver, Hood Canal, Washington, USA
I watched the special when it first aired and I truly wish it were available now on video. The lessons and morality it addresses are more important now than it was nearly 50 years ago. It really Was the Last of the Curlews, the last Eskimo Curlew seen was in Texas, 1962. They used to number in the millions, darkening the sky with their numbers. They are all gone now, extinct. Lesson's learned? Unfortunately not. It would please my Uncle so much to read the memories left here for only an hour show, seen only by children and Mother's at home at 4 in the afternoon, in just one airing. I am very proud to read that others still remember this film and I know my Uncle would be too. If anyone knows where this film short might be archived, please post the location here so that others might also enjoy it now it.
Thanks so much, ~Lynda Dillon-Silver, Hood Canal, Washington, USA
A tear-jerker for youngsters
sonicson30 May 2007
I don't come to tears very often, but Last of the Curlews left me weeping as a seven-year old, a memory that stays with me over 35 years later. Despite the tears, I remember being entirely engrossed by Last of the Curlews and its message about the loss of species. The show featured a story and animation work that was a cut above regular TV programming for kids.
This was the very first ABC Afterschool Special, and Last of the Curlews set a high standard for the series. The specials became "must-watch TV" for the junior high set. Unfortunately, the series later became known as something as a teen problem-of-the-week show.
This was the very first ABC Afterschool Special, and Last of the Curlews set a high standard for the series. The specials became "must-watch TV" for the junior high set. Unfortunately, the series later became known as something as a teen problem-of-the-week show.
Lyrics to the song....
fredflounder9 November 2009
At least part of the lyrics to the theme song have stuck with me for all these years, though could be slightly revised because that's what happens with songs. I'm sure this isn't the whole song. Someone needs to re-release this song. It's lovely.
Once, on golden wings, You and I went wandering, With no one there to say Golden wings can melt away
Like a (something) in a stream, We are living in a dream, That lasts for just a day, And just as quickly melts away
I remember the film itself affect me and my siblings quite deeply. I don't know how this would go over with today's kids, but I imagine many of them would enjoy it quite a bit. I've been impressed with today's teens.
Once, on golden wings, You and I went wandering, With no one there to say Golden wings can melt away
Like a (something) in a stream, We are living in a dream, That lasts for just a day, And just as quickly melts away
I remember the film itself affect me and my siblings quite deeply. I don't know how this would go over with today's kids, but I imagine many of them would enjoy it quite a bit. I've been impressed with today's teens.
This made a huge impact on me
squidtoast16 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Like others who commented this animated film made such a huge impact on me that i was compelled to search (36 years later) for information on it online. I remember watching it with may sister and the both of us crying all night about it. My mother came home from work, and we were crying so hard she thought someone had died. In school the next day, all the kids were talking about it. One kid actually stayed home sick because she was so upset.
How could a film, about a bird, make all of us so sick with grief. I would love to see it again to see why it had such a impact on us all. Where we just overly sensitive kids? or was it just an amazing story and animation? I hope they release it on DVD so I can see it again.
How could a film, about a bird, make all of us so sick with grief. I would love to see it again to see why it had such a impact on us all. Where we just overly sensitive kids? or was it just an amazing story and animation? I hope they release it on DVD so I can see it again.
Really affected me; About the song
luckins15 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I actually don't remember seeing this as a kid as I was really young and I was not into birds. I think my brother watched it and was affected, or I saw it later. I actually didn't care much for any of the After School Specials when they were on.
I came across the video for this show on Youtube, but it had the beginning and ending cut off. I know many of the other reviewers mentioned the song. The only true lyrics I have found was for the song about 2/3 of the way in when they're in the Gulf of Mexico. I do not feel comfortable listing the entire lyrics due to copyright reasons, but here are the parts that had the most impact on me:
"This is a song of how it used to be. . . .This is the way the world was for you and me/ How free we glided on the air/ Only pure and lovely there! . . . .
Ahhhh, you're gone away/ You were mine, a little while./ The sounds on golden wings,/ I remember and I smile."
There was more to this song, but I didn't want to post the whole thing. If you would like to know the entire lyrics, drop me a line.
As to the second song, I am still tracking down the lyrics for the ending. But, here's what I got so far. The pace was similar to the end of the song above with a slow pace of a ballad:
On golden wings/ You and I/ Went wandering
Then, I think it went similar to the way that Fredflounder said, but I'm not sure about the lyrics:
With no one there/ To say golden wings /Would melt alway
Then, I think it picked up faster, but, again, not sure of the lyrics. I think it went on for at least three or four sentences, but I am not sure what they were and am still tracking them down.
I think it ended like the song above:
Ahhhh, you're gone away/ You were mine, a little while./ The sounds on golden wings,/ I remember and I smile.
I know this was in syndication around the world and am hoping that someone still has a copy of the complete show from beginning to end including credits and theme song. I believe that many people were not listening closely to the song at the end because they were either crying their eyes out or had turned the show off. I don't remember watching the show, but I seem to remember the ending song. I think the music is what caused people to be sadder than they would have otherwise.
This is just about the saddest show I've ever come across. I've seen lots of animal movies where the animal died and even experienced many animal deaths in my years of watching and caring for animals, both wild and domestic, but this really affected me. I think it's because of the loneliness of the male who may or may not know he was the last one. Finally, all his dreams are fulfilled only to be taken away. He will now be alone for the rest of his life. Also, I remember reading a story where the female curlew who was shot in 1963 on Barbados. There was a pair seen in 1962, then in 1964, a male was seen alone. No other physical evidence of Eskimo curlew have seen seen since (though many sightings have been reported). I wondered if this lone male in 1964 felt like the male in this story.
The last statement, "The were once thousands of Eskimo curlews, then there were two, now there was one, soon they'll be none." Was really strong. Unlike a lot of other children's shows, this one wasn't wrapped up with a cute little bow that said "everything is going to be OK".
I got the book and I loved it, especially the copy with the T.M. Shortt drawings.
I came across the video for this show on Youtube, but it had the beginning and ending cut off. I know many of the other reviewers mentioned the song. The only true lyrics I have found was for the song about 2/3 of the way in when they're in the Gulf of Mexico. I do not feel comfortable listing the entire lyrics due to copyright reasons, but here are the parts that had the most impact on me:
"This is a song of how it used to be. . . .This is the way the world was for you and me/ How free we glided on the air/ Only pure and lovely there! . . . .
Ahhhh, you're gone away/ You were mine, a little while./ The sounds on golden wings,/ I remember and I smile."
There was more to this song, but I didn't want to post the whole thing. If you would like to know the entire lyrics, drop me a line.
As to the second song, I am still tracking down the lyrics for the ending. But, here's what I got so far. The pace was similar to the end of the song above with a slow pace of a ballad:
On golden wings/ You and I/ Went wandering
Then, I think it went similar to the way that Fredflounder said, but I'm not sure about the lyrics:
With no one there/ To say golden wings /Would melt alway
Then, I think it picked up faster, but, again, not sure of the lyrics. I think it went on for at least three or four sentences, but I am not sure what they were and am still tracking them down.
I think it ended like the song above:
Ahhhh, you're gone away/ You were mine, a little while./ The sounds on golden wings,/ I remember and I smile.
I know this was in syndication around the world and am hoping that someone still has a copy of the complete show from beginning to end including credits and theme song. I believe that many people were not listening closely to the song at the end because they were either crying their eyes out or had turned the show off. I don't remember watching the show, but I seem to remember the ending song. I think the music is what caused people to be sadder than they would have otherwise.
This is just about the saddest show I've ever come across. I've seen lots of animal movies where the animal died and even experienced many animal deaths in my years of watching and caring for animals, both wild and domestic, but this really affected me. I think it's because of the loneliness of the male who may or may not know he was the last one. Finally, all his dreams are fulfilled only to be taken away. He will now be alone for the rest of his life. Also, I remember reading a story where the female curlew who was shot in 1963 on Barbados. There was a pair seen in 1962, then in 1964, a male was seen alone. No other physical evidence of Eskimo curlew have seen seen since (though many sightings have been reported). I wondered if this lone male in 1964 felt like the male in this story.
The last statement, "The were once thousands of Eskimo curlews, then there were two, now there was one, soon they'll be none." Was really strong. Unlike a lot of other children's shows, this one wasn't wrapped up with a cute little bow that said "everything is going to be OK".
I got the book and I loved it, especially the copy with the T.M. Shortt drawings.
Should be mandatory viewing for kids of all ages
jupitr219 April 2008
I wasn't a regular viewer of the 'ABC Afterschool Specials' but I was a cartoon fanatic and loved to watch most of what Hanna-Barbera studios produced for Saturday mornings. Back then, Saturday morning was a time when cartoons RULED and it was a highly anticipated event for many kids at that time. So, as a curious 12-year-old, when I heard that this 'cartoon' was airing as an 'ABC Afterschool Special' that afternoon in October 1972, I made sure I tuned in to watch.
To say, that after over 35 years, this cartoon has made a lasting impression on me would be an understatement. The fact that I even remember the lesson learned and how I felt about it for days afterward is a true testament to the quality of this production. Keep in mind that this isn't your standard cartoon with goofy characters involved in brainless antics or superheroes saving another day. This is a superbly animated feature that presents a story about life, and is so well written that it masterfully draws the viewer into the story. Though, unlike with most cartoons, expect to walk away from this with the astonishment of a lesson learned. After all, THIS is what the Afterschool Specials were all about. With 'The Last of the Curlews', what might seem insensitive to the viewer, in it's own way, touches a nerve as it tells a story about our own insensitivity to the world and our environment. It was because of this amazing production that Hanna-Barbera won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming.
In 1991, I had the extreme pleasure to meet Bill Hanna and briefly spoke with him. It was an opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my life. His work represents much about my childhood growing up in the 60's and 70's.
In 1998, I enjoyed a chance meeting with another Hanna-Barbera legend, Iwao Takamoto, who wore several hats at Hanna-Barbera throughout his career. He was Animator, Director and was the character designer of many of Hanna-Barbera's cartoon characters, one of which is Scooby-Doo. Prior to working for Hanna-Barbera, he worked as an animator on many Disney movies including 'Lady and the Tramp', 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty'. This was a visit that I hold dear as well and, in a way, completed a circle for me. Throughout Mr. Takamoto's illustrious career, he's probably been asked, "Who is your favorite cartoon character?!!" a zillion times. So, as a huge Hanna-Barbera fan, I wanted to ask him something that might provide a bit more of 'who' Iwao was. I asked, "What has been your proudest moment during your career as an animator?" He looked away, paused for a moment, looked back at me and said with his warm smile, "Winning an Emmy Award for an 'ABC Afterschool Special'... 'The Last of the Curlews'." I can tell you that my heart swelled a bit and my eyes teared when I heard him say that, it actually took me by surprise. Here it was, 26 years later and I'm talking to one of history's animation greats who helped create something that I haven't seen since 1972, yet it's message still ripples through me to this day.
I can't say anything more about this feature other than, it should be mandatory viewing for kids of all ages. It's THAT good! I only hope that Warner Bros. (now owner of the vast H-B library) will make it available on DVD soon so that other generations can learn from it as well.
To say, that after over 35 years, this cartoon has made a lasting impression on me would be an understatement. The fact that I even remember the lesson learned and how I felt about it for days afterward is a true testament to the quality of this production. Keep in mind that this isn't your standard cartoon with goofy characters involved in brainless antics or superheroes saving another day. This is a superbly animated feature that presents a story about life, and is so well written that it masterfully draws the viewer into the story. Though, unlike with most cartoons, expect to walk away from this with the astonishment of a lesson learned. After all, THIS is what the Afterschool Specials were all about. With 'The Last of the Curlews', what might seem insensitive to the viewer, in it's own way, touches a nerve as it tells a story about our own insensitivity to the world and our environment. It was because of this amazing production that Hanna-Barbera won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming.
In 1991, I had the extreme pleasure to meet Bill Hanna and briefly spoke with him. It was an opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my life. His work represents much about my childhood growing up in the 60's and 70's.
In 1998, I enjoyed a chance meeting with another Hanna-Barbera legend, Iwao Takamoto, who wore several hats at Hanna-Barbera throughout his career. He was Animator, Director and was the character designer of many of Hanna-Barbera's cartoon characters, one of which is Scooby-Doo. Prior to working for Hanna-Barbera, he worked as an animator on many Disney movies including 'Lady and the Tramp', 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty'. This was a visit that I hold dear as well and, in a way, completed a circle for me. Throughout Mr. Takamoto's illustrious career, he's probably been asked, "Who is your favorite cartoon character?!!" a zillion times. So, as a huge Hanna-Barbera fan, I wanted to ask him something that might provide a bit more of 'who' Iwao was. I asked, "What has been your proudest moment during your career as an animator?" He looked away, paused for a moment, looked back at me and said with his warm smile, "Winning an Emmy Award for an 'ABC Afterschool Special'... 'The Last of the Curlews'." I can tell you that my heart swelled a bit and my eyes teared when I heard him say that, it actually took me by surprise. Here it was, 26 years later and I'm talking to one of history's animation greats who helped create something that I haven't seen since 1972, yet it's message still ripples through me to this day.
I can't say anything more about this feature other than, it should be mandatory viewing for kids of all ages. It's THAT good! I only hope that Warner Bros. (now owner of the vast H-B library) will make it available on DVD soon so that other generations can learn from it as well.
liked it when I was a kid
edley9 January 2005
I never saw the rest of the Afterschool Specials. They weren't animated and looked really boring. However, "The Last Of The Curlews" was really special for me at the time.
I remember crying at the ending. Can't remember much else honestly, and since I haven't seen it since I was 9, I don't know if there was anything in it I'd like as a cynical now-adult (probably not). And it doesn't seem to have been included in the "Afterschool Specials" DVD compilations.
The art was much prettier than the Hanna-Barbera norm. I can't remember how "limited" the animation was.
You'd never see something like this on TV today. The pace is too slow, it doesn't hawk an action figure, and the ecological message would probably set off a letter writing campaign by some conservative group.
Recommended for kids.
I remember crying at the ending. Can't remember much else honestly, and since I haven't seen it since I was 9, I don't know if there was anything in it I'd like as a cynical now-adult (probably not). And it doesn't seem to have been included in the "Afterschool Specials" DVD compilations.
The art was much prettier than the Hanna-Barbera norm. I can't remember how "limited" the animation was.
You'd never see something like this on TV today. The pace is too slow, it doesn't hawk an action figure, and the ecological message would probably set off a letter writing campaign by some conservative group.
Recommended for kids.
I Remember the tears
markhastings-2292918 June 2018
Memorable song
rkhen8 July 2009
My memories of this film follow the others who have posted here. I was eleven, and eagerly ran home to watch this; it was the very first Afterschool Special, and our teacher had done an entire lesson on it, based, I now realise, on a press kit that ABC must have sent out to schools. My teacher was way into environmentalism, so this hit him where he lived.
Suitably primed, I tuned in, and had the same reaction as the others here; the memory remains vivid all these years later. Another thing I remember was a haunting song, sung in an ethereal female voice, that came and went during montages of the birds: "Once/On golden wings/You and I/Went wandering..." That's all I remember, and even now it chokes me up. I Googled those lines, but apparently no-one else remembers this song.
Our teacher continued to prep us for the Afterschool Specials that year (they must have come out every three months or so?), but none of the others had the impact that the first one did. The only other one I recall was about Shakespeare, consisting mostly of actors declaiming lines from his plays. We all thought it was boring. "The Last of the Curlews" was a hard act to follow.
Suitably primed, I tuned in, and had the same reaction as the others here; the memory remains vivid all these years later. Another thing I remember was a haunting song, sung in an ethereal female voice, that came and went during montages of the birds: "Once/On golden wings/You and I/Went wandering..." That's all I remember, and even now it chokes me up. I Googled those lines, but apparently no-one else remembers this song.
Our teacher continued to prep us for the Afterschool Specials that year (they must have come out every three months or so?), but none of the others had the impact that the first one did. The only other one I recall was about Shakespeare, consisting mostly of actors declaiming lines from his plays. We all thought it was boring. "The Last of the Curlews" was a hard act to follow.
I Cried For A Week!!
peggyyax2 December 2007
I watched this as a nine-year old and I cried for a week afterward. I thought it was so unfair that that poor male bird finally got the miracle he was waiting for, just to have it taken away from him in the end. It sort of reflects my life in a way--sometimes we struggle to obtain a hard-fought goal, just to have it snatched away from us when it's within our reach. I know some people would say that perhaps that goal was never meant to be, but it still hurts like hell when everything that you've worked so hard for has turned out to be for naught. It makes you want to give up and say, "I'm not going to fight any more-screw it!! But we can take a lesson from the surviving bird; he continues on with his life despite the horrible loss that he just went through. I guess that could be a great role model for we humans and the human spirit! If life knocks you down, just pick yourself up, brush the dust off, and keep on keepin' on!!!!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
