Wake Up And Feed

About This Movie

Wake Up And Feed is quite the fascinating little documentary from 1935, though its director remains a mystery. It captures that unique feeding time at the zoo, which somehow manages to blend the mundane with the extraordinary. The pacing is gentle, allowing us to absorb the sights and sounds of various animals while they go about their routines. What really stands out here is the practical effects of the time, showcasing real animals in their habitats without any digital trickery. The film runs about 10 minutes, which feels just right for a brief yet immersive experience. It's interesting to think about how such a simple premise could evoke such curiosity, reflecting a period when documentaries were just starting to explore the natural world in this way.

This short was registered under the Board of Trade as 922ft, which is about the length you’d expect for such an observational piece. Copies of Wake Up And Feed are quite scarce; it seems many prints have faded into obscurity over the decades. Its appeal lies in its straightforward approach to documentary filmmaking and the unadulterated view of zoo life, which collectors particularly appreciate for its historical context and the simplicity of its execution.