Thus begins Pare Lortentz' monumental documentary about the exploitation and misuse of one of our greatest natural resources. The film covers the period from the Civil War to the disastrous floods of the 1930's.

Much of the film's power derives from the brilliant editing that parallels the forward rush of water as it trickles, eddies, and flows on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Virgil Thomson's memorable score and Lorentz' own poetic prose combine to evoke the awesome grandeur of the Mississippi.

More than simply a plea for better land management or a tribute to the TVA, The River stands as a testimonial to the power of film to communicate through image, music, and the spoken word.

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