Birds Do It, Bees Do It

1974's BIRDS DO IT, BEES DO IT may prove a troubling option for (some) viewers seeking a nature documentary, as this one spends much of its time depicting sexual activity among the animal kingdom.  Maybe during its original release it was less likely for this sort of thing to have been seen in other educational films? I suppose, as one of the tag lines for this film was "So real it will never be shown on TV".  I think more than one '70s movie used that kind of advertising.  You know, before HBO beamed into millions of more homes.

I clearly recall that it played on Cinemax in the summer of 1996, during their "Summer of 1000 Movies." I did not watch it at that time for reasons not recollected. Maybe I thought I would've giggled at it? I remembered Cheech and Chong using clips of animal copulation for comic effect in STILL SMOKIN'.  And that morning I saw two dogs going at it in the middle of Garden Avenue.   Directors Nicolas Noxon, who worked on some National Geographic TV specials, and Irwin Rosten have conversely assembled a by turns fascinating and sad doc about mating, life, and death among the lower life forms, from amoeba to chimpanzee.  It is quite profound, truth be told.  And is most certainly not at all a cheap exercise, though some viewers may tune in for that purpose.

This was for many years a difficult task - BIRDS DO IT, BEES DO IT has never had a home video release.  A real shame.  I agree that everyone should watch it.  Perhaps it was always considered too explicit (and indeed did earn an R-rating until some cuts were made). The camera does not shy away from the acts of sexuality, or the genitalia involved.  I caught it on YouTube.  Very likely, it was uploaded by someone who taped it from cable.  It wasn't the best quality rip, but good enough.

Actor Lee Bergere, who appeared on Bonanza and Dynasty, narrates with a tone that is at times somewhat ominous but just as often whimsical.  He describes how a poet's heart might be broken when he learns that the songs emitted by birds have less than romantic biological implications.  Or that these winged creatures have similar materialistic traits to human beings, as the females will select only the most elaborately constructed nest/house built by the male with whom they eventually mate.  Or that bird sex may only last a few seconds.

But the jungle cats are seen rolling around, quite playful.  Primates attempting coitus exhibit frustration when interrupted by their offspring.  Sea lion males have an entire harem.  The latter is part of a sequence that is unbearably sad, when a newborn is snatched away by a rival and killed, leaving the mother to grieve the loss with a terrible bellow.  Also forever burned into my brain is the time lapse photography of a mouse corpse that is overwhelmed with maggots, its bones eventually breaking down and enriching the Earth with vital minerals.  Circle of life.

Perhaps the most memorable sequence is of the wasp and its use of a tarantula to deliver her babies.  I guarantee that once it is seen, it won't be forgotten.

I especially like that bit of narration which explained how most of us view wildlife as we want to see it - cute animals doing cute things.  We may not want to see the gore and cruelty, mostly creatures doing what they need to, to survive.  This film lays it bare, and for good measure gives us a few scenes of predators and prey, just like you've seen on TV.

BIRD DO IT, BEES DO IT takes a curious turn in its final third as it explores the rapidly developing technology of genetic engineering involving the making of "super chickens".  Also, the curious methods of acquiring bull semen to create advanced calves.  The filmmakers' feelings about this are unmistakable, and leave things on a rather somber and despairing note.  But this film is mostly a celebration of life, and truly does put everything into perspective.  You will indeed never look at animals the same way again.