The Old Mill (1937)

An old and dilapidated windmill sets the scene for this engaging animation depicting all that goes on amongst the wildlife that have taken over from the long departed humans. Nesting birds share a juicy worm; cooing doves and a wise old owl take shelter there too. High in the rafters, some bats sleep the day away awaiting nightfall and the frog's chorus which sets off all the night sounds - tweeting and chirping galore. Fortunately, for our ears, the wind picks up and the old structure stretches and strains as it comes again to life - much to the chagrin of the occupants who find the menacing grinding apparatus still uncomfortably functional! A storm brews and everything leaks and creaks and howls - the whole thing looks like it's about to take off! Then the weather calms and the building is just about upright - but for how much longer? It's quite poignant here to see just how quickly nature reclaims the things mankind builds - either for it's own use or by simply taking it's time to get rid altogether. I wasn't an huge fan of the extended choral arrangement at the close, but this is an enjoyable watch.