movie poster

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

19 minutes

Documentary

Overview

We move back and forth between scenes of a family at home and thoughts about the stars and creation. Children hold chickens while an adult clips their wings; we see a forest; a narrator talks about stars and light and eternity. A dog joins the hens and the family, while the narrator explains the heavens. We see a bee up close. The narrator suggests metaphors for heavenly bodies. Scenes fade into a black screen or dim purple; close-ups of family life may be blurry. The words about the heavens, such as "The stars are a flock of hummingbirds," contrast with images and sounds of real children.

Top Cast

Jane Wodening headshot

Jane Wodening

Herself

Stan Brakhage headshot

Stan Brakhage

Narrator (voice)

Myrrena Brakhage headshot

Myrrena Brakhage

Herself