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5 Unconventional, Timeless Films to Watch in Honor of Earth Day

Erin Brockovich, Joan Collins, Richard Harris, Skate Shoes

Are you tired of watching the same films in honor of Earth Day? I am talking about the annual favorites like “An Inconvenient Truth”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “Earth Day” and Erin Brockovich.” If so, you may want to check out one of these:

“Orca” (1976)

Director Michael Anderson’s film “Orca” was one incredible film for its day. The storyline focuses on a male orca whale that witnesses the slaughter of its mate and unborn offspring. Understandably, he doesn’t let such brutality go unanswered. One of the best scenes occurs towards the end of the film and involves icebergs. Artists connected to the film include Bo Derek and Richard Harris.

“Empire of the Ants” (1977)

What do you get when you combine Joan Collins, toxic waste, unscrupulous land deals, a sugar refinery and a bunch of ticked off giant insects? Why director Bert Gordon’s “Empire of the Ants” of course! It’s just one of the many “science and government gone wild” Bert Gordon films that you may want to rediscover for Earth Day. Other artists that starred in the film were Albert Salmi and Robert Lansing.

“The Day the Earth Caught Fire” (1961)

If schlocky hordes of giant ants aren’t your passion, try director Val Guest’s film “The Day the Earth Caught Fire.” It is an incredibly well thought out flick with a tight storyline that focuses on a nuclear induced, environmental disaster. The powers that be eventually decide that the only way to rectify the problem is deploy more nukes. The ending scenes with the lone church bells and dual newspapers will definitely leave you with something to talk about as well. Two of the people that starred in the film were Janet Munro and Reginald Beckwith.

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“Planet of the Apes” (1968)

Director Franklin Schaffner’s “Planet of the Apes” may not be the first flick that comes to your mind when you think of Earth Day but that’s the point right? Just think about the storyline for a moment. Humans destroy the earth. Afterward, the apes take over and kick their butts for it. In my opinion, that makes it perfect for holiday viewing. It starred such venerable actors as Roddy McDowall, James Whitmore and Charlton Heston.

“Silent Running” (1972)

Are you fan of “The Lorax”? If so, you might enjoy watching director Douglas Trumbull’s film “Silent Running.” It was released a year after the book and also drives home the importance of saving the trees. In the movie, the only bit of forest still known to man is located inside a pair of space age greenhouses that float around in outer space. However, the humans that remain on earth eventually decide they can do without the greenery. After that, all heck breaks lose. One of the most memorable scenes occurs at the end of the film and involves a watering can. Artists to look for in the film include Bruce Dem and Cliff Potts.

Source: Personal Experience

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