Morning of the Earth

Lustrous and mildly psychedelic 1972 Australian surf film made by Sydney photographer Alby Falzon. Along with coproducer David Elfick, Falzon secured a $20,000 grant from the Australian Film Development Corporation—an unheard-of bonanza for surf moviemakers. Morning of the Earth had no narration, subtitles, or plot, but was earthy and well-crafted nonetheless, with an excellent soundtrack. Surfer magazine described it as being "about the Garden of Eden, plus waves, minus serpent."

The featur...