The Navajo (Part 1):"The Search for America"

Edited by: Dan Lovins
Consultants: Dr Ralph Patrick, Research Associate, Washington University; John Adair, Anthropology, Cornell University; Larry Moore, Community Services, Navajo Tribe; and Evon Z. Vogt, Anthropology, Harvard University.
Establishing shot: Camera fades into a black and white Steenback viewer with a man working on a film reel. The camera tracks this man (Hartzell) as he approaches Dr. Patrick.
Named locations: Washington University; Arizona; Gallup, New Mexico (mentioned); Pine Springs (sign); Highway 66; Pine Springs Trading Post, Arizona; Tuba City, Arizona; Window Rock, Arizona;
Major themes covered: Navajo tradition and culture in the modern world; assimilation.

Native activities shown: Navajo man at trading post; Navajo children playing and visiting; Navajo family in living room; Navajo family eating breakfast of mutton stew, coffee, cornflakes, and fried bread; Navajo man letting sheep out of corral; Navajo girl watching a flock of sheep; Navajo women weaving; Navajo woman spinning and carding wool; Navajo man  silversmithing; Navajo woman working with silver, etching; Medicine man restoring harmony to those out of balance; Navajo man singing; Navajo man teaching anthropologist a traditional protection song; Navajo man making bows and arrows; Navajo man commenting on the loss of ceremonies for the Navajo; Navajo man commenting on the negativity of alcohol being introduced to the Navajo people; Navajo man commenting on sending Navajo children to school on and off the reservation; Navajo man commenting on mission schools.
Individuals Named: The Burnside family, Johnny Nelson (Navajo translator), anthropologist John Adair; Mabel Burnside-Myers, Alta Burnside-Kahn, Jack Kahn, John Burnside, Isabel, daughter of Mabel, John Hale, father of Burnside girls; Sam Yazzie.
Native language spoken: Yes, Navajo is spoken throughout the film (translated by Johnny Nelson for the narrator)
Audible? Good quality audio
Noteworthy elements: The film is concerned with which traditions are being kept, and which traditions are dying out, for the Navajo people due to assimilation. In many cases, the narrator interviews Navajo individuals, who then give their honest opinions. Very informative.
Other notes: Good question/answer sessions between the narrator and Navajo individuals

--Stuart Glogoff, 2012