String Sounds

This film, photographed and edited by Les Blank, produced and directed by Pieter Van Deusen, documents a spontaneously improvised concert by musician Christopher Tree. With his one-man orchestra, including 40 Tibetan temple gongs, flutes, tympani and wind chimes, Christopher Tree whirls and weaves his sound tapestry within a pristine forest. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.

Les Blank's first student film, made while at USC, starring Gail Blank, Pieter Van Deusen and Les himself. This short pays homage to Ingmar Bergman's Seventh Seal, the film that inspired Blank to become a filmmaker. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.

Tells the story of a Scotch boy who can't decide whether he wants to be like his father, a Highlander, or his mother, a Lowlander.

Les Blank's first documentary cinematography job shooting Drag Racers in Long Beach, CA, driving everything from hopped up "Mercs" to Supercharged "Rail Dragsters". These cars could accelerate to over 220 miles/hour in a mile. The film follows the life of Rick "The Iceman" Stewart as he attempts to grab the world's record. Original score by Canned Heat Blues Band.

An independent feature, 12 years in the making, by Pieter Van Deusen in the mill towns and on the moorlands of northern England. Tom, a playwright whose wife has locked him out of the house, now lives in his garden shed. He has been trying to finish a play that is opening that very night, a play about a cowardly knight of local legend--Old Lord Netherby--whose spirit resides in Purgatory.

The voyage section of Homer's classic tale is retold by the voice of a muse, actor Julie Harris, who recalls the essence of the adventure. A remarkable visual experience that captures the mythic quality of the ancient story.

This creative educational film by Pieter Van Deusen features a variety of percussion instruments performed by noted musicians Bruno Hoffmann, Eric Remsen, and Taranath Rao. The film crew included Les Blank and Skip Gerson. This film was part of a music film series for Churchill Films: Wind Sounds, Percussion Sounds, and an offshoot film by Pieter with Les Blank entitled Christopher Tree.

This creative educational film by Pieter Van Deusen features a variety of wind instruments performed by noted musicians Eli Hollander & Tony Plog. The film crew included Les Blank as 2nd Camera along with assistant Skip Gerson. This film was part of a music film series for Churchill Films: WIND SOUNDS, Percussion Sounds, and an offshoot film by Pieter with Les Blank entitled Christopher Tree.

From opposite ends of the globe come two animated tales illustrating that the wishes and fantasies of people are similar folk themes the world over. The European tale of 'The Fisherman and his Wife' and the Japanese story of 'The Stonecutter' remind us that it is human nature to dream of unlimited glory, but in reality, there is great joy and contentment to be found in ordinary living.

From Worldcat: Presents new musical sounds and new ways of treating old sounds. Includes examples of chance music, tape music, synthesizer music, and other twentieth century innovations.

A modern dance solo interpretation of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring created by dancer/choreographer Jim Huntley and filmed and edited by Pieter Van Deusen.