Le ciel et la boue

"Men of the space age meet men of the stone age."

Jun 19 1962 N/A 1h 32m
Documentary

In September, 1959, six Europeans leave Cook's Bay on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea, now West Papua or Irian Jaya, to trek north to the far side of the island. The journey (450 miles, as a crow flies) across unmapped territory took seven months; three Muyu porters died. Near both coasts, the expedition met villagers who invited them to observe rituals and live with them. In the interior, all villagers kept them at bay, and they depended on air lifts from Hollandia for food and supplies. They climbed above 10,000 feet, built 14 bridges, and fought leeches and malaria. The narrator focuses on describing Stone Age savages, headhunters, and cannibals.

Plot

In September, 1959, six Europeans leave Cook's Bay on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea, now West Papua or Irian Jaya, to trek north to the far side of the island. The journey (450 miles, as a crow flies) across unmapped territory took seven months; three Muyu porters died. Near both coasts, the expedition met villagers who invited them to observe rituals and live with them. In the interior, all villagers kept them at bay, and they depended on air lifts from Hollandia for food and supplies. They climbed above 10,000 feet, built 14 bridges, and fought leeches and malaria. The narrator focuses on describing Stone Age savages, headhunters, and cannibals.

Written by

Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau

Directed by

Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau

Cast

Gerard Delloye, Tony Saulnier, Herve de Maigret

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

France

Languages

Français

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 1 win & 1 nomination total

Scores
# of Votes
314
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA