Drew Pearson Reports on Israel’s Living Desert (film #18 in the Rural Settlement and Security section of the State of Israel section of Stephen Spielberg Jewish Film Archive). [Category: Public Service]

In this 50s film, Drew Pearson reports on the problems of irrigation and how they were being solved in Israel. Mostly, though, the film is about the courage of the Israeli pioneers, many of whom were Holocaust survivors, and most of whom were refugees. The film is rather dry in spots, but very touching in others, particularly the interviews with the pioneers. Another historically interesting film about the history of Israel on the Spielberg archive.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: *. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ****.