Log in
Alone in the Wilderness

Alone in the Wilderness

One man's 32-year Alaskan experience in the cabin he built by hand.

G 2004 · 57 min · ★ 7.9 · Documentary, History, TV Movie

Dick Proenneke retired at age 50 in 1967 and decided to build his own cabin in the wilderness at the base of the Aleutian Peninsula, in what is now Lake Clark National Park. Using color footage he shot himself, Proenneke traces how he came to this remote area, selected a homestead site and built his log cabin completely by himself. The documentary covers his first year in-country, showing his day-to-day activities and the passing of the seasons as he sought to scratch out a living alone in the wilderness.

Directed by Dick Proenneke

Your Rating

Cast

The Dick Proenneke CollectionSee all →

Alaska: Silence & SolitudeAlaska: Silence & Solitude · 2005
Alaska: Silence & Solitude
★ 6.52005
MovieDocumentary
Alaska Silence & Solitude is the follow up to Alone in the Wilderness, filmed 20 years later. Bob Swerer and Bob Swerer Sr. visit Dick Proenneke at his famous cabin on Twin Lakes where the wildlife is still abundant and the scenery is spectacular.
The Frozen NorthThe Frozen North · 2006
The Frozen North
★ 6.32006
MovieDocumentaryHistory
For more than 30 years a man by the name of Dick Proenneke lived alone in the Alaskan Bush. His only neighbors were the wolves and grizzly bears and his only transportation was his canoe and a good set of legs. Through the years, Dick kept written journals of daily life at Twin Lakes but would also document much of his adventure on film with his 16 mms Bolex camera. The Frozen North is Dick's own filmed account of his life alone in this "One Man's Wilderness", produced from original footage not included in "Alone in the Wilderness" or "Alaska Silence & Solitude".
Alone in the Wilderness: Part IIAlone in the Wilderness: Part II · 2011
Alone in the Wilderness: Part II
★ 7.72011
MovieDocumentary
Dick Proenneke's simple, yet profound account of his 30 year adventure in the remote Alaska wilderness continues in this sequel to "Alone in the Wilderness". Watch through his eyes as he continues to document with his 16mm wind-up Bolex camera, capturing his own amazing craftsmanship, the stunning Alaskan wildlife and scenery and even a visit from his brother Ray (Jake). His epic journey takes you on a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced society, and is a true breath of fresh air.

More from Dick ProennekeSee all →

Alone in the Wilderness: Part IIAlone in the Wilderness: Part II · 2011
Alone in the Wilderness: Part II
★ 7.72011
MovieDocumentary
Dick Proenneke's simple, yet profound account of his 30 year adventure in the remote Alaska wilderness continues in this sequel to "Alone in the Wilderness". Watch through his eyes as he continues to document with his 16mm wind-up Bolex camera, capturing his own amazing craftsmanship, the stunning Alaskan wildlife and scenery and even a visit from his brother Ray (Jake). His epic journey takes you on a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced society, and is a true breath of fresh air.
The Frozen NorthThe Frozen North · 2006
The Frozen North
★ 6.32006
MovieDocumentaryHistory
For more than 30 years a man by the name of Dick Proenneke lived alone in the Alaskan Bush. His only neighbors were the wolves and grizzly bears and his only transportation was his canoe and a good set of legs. Through the years, Dick kept written journals of daily life at Twin Lakes but would also document much of his adventure on film with his 16 mms Bolex camera. The Frozen North is Dick's own filmed account of his life alone in this "One Man's Wilderness", produced from original footage not included in "Alone in the Wilderness" or "Alaska Silence & Solitude".
No Place Like Twin LakesNo Place Like Twin Lakes
No Place Like Twin Lakes
MovieDocumentary
Dick Proenneke visited his cabin at Upper Twin Lake for the last time in the year 2000 at the age of 84. Follow along during that visit, and learn and why he came to believe that there is no place like Twin Lakes in this 15 minute video.
One Man's AlaskaOne Man's Alaska · 1977
One Man's Alaska
1977
MovieDocumentary
A documentary profile of conservationist and wildlife cinematographer Dick Proenneke at his wilderness home in the Lake Clark areas of Alaska. Includes scenes of area wildlife, along with clips of Proenneke carving his log cabin home out of the wilderness.

More Like This

Encounters at the End of the WorldEncounters at the End of the World · 2007
Encounters at the End of the World
★ 7.52007
MovieDocumentary
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog travels to Antarctica, where he finds a desolate, beautiful landscape, largely untouched by human hands, and a group of truly unique people who risk their lives to study it. Centered at McMurdo Station, the United States' largest Antarctic research center, Herzog explores the minds of the scientists willing to abandon civilization and endure volatile conditions to learn more about the continent's wildlife and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
The Story of the Weeping CamelThe Story of the Weeping Camel · 2004
The Story of the Weeping Camel
★ 7.12004
MovieDocumentaryDrama
When a Mongolian nomadic family's newest camel colt is rejected by its mother, a musician is needed for a ritual to change her mind.
The Living DesertThe Living Desert · 1953
The Living Desert
★ 7.11953
MovieDocumentary
Although first glance reveals little more than stones and sand, the desert is alive. Witness moving rocks, spitting mud pots, gorgeous flowers and the never-ending battle for survival between desert creatures of every shape, size and description.
Our Planet: Behind the ScenesOur Planet: Behind the Scenes · 2019
Our Planet: Behind the Scenes
★ 7.62019
MovieDocumentary
Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.
Van Diemen's LandVan Diemen's Land · 2009
Van Diemen's Land
★ 5.32009
MovieDramaHistory
The true story of Australia’s most notorious convict, Alexander Pearce and his infamous journey into the beautiful yet brutal Tasmanian wilderness. A point of no return for convicts banished from their homeland, Van Diemen’s Land was a feared and dreaded penal settlement at the end of the earth.
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our PlanetBreaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet · 2021
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet
★ 7.52021
MovieDocumentary
David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter