@@deborah9775 Well, hurrah for you. You obviously didn't understand that that was what they were saying.You couldn't know either way & it doesn't even matter. You sound a tad pompous to me.....l don't know, but there ya go.....c'st la vie.
My grandmother owned a trailer court here in southern NM. She bought the land in the late 50s and by the late 60s she had close to 30 trailers for rent. Most of the renters had been there since day one. Grandmother was very close friends with a lot of the people. It was neat how the people were like characters in a TV show. I grew up in and around that trailer court until grandmother passed in the late 80s. All of her friends knew me and my mom and brother as well as the rest of my family who lived in town. A tight knit, friendly, warm and welcoming community. I always felt so secure and welcome there. Grandmother was like the boss around there in some of the rent trailers there would be people fighting, getting drunk and loud. My aunt was married to my un le who was a biker who rode for the 1% MC here and they as well as a dozen others lived in the 4 rent trailers across from the office and grandmother's trailer. When things got heated the bikers handled it. It didn't get out of hand very often. I wish the trailer court hadn't been sold. I always had somewhere to live rent free if I wanted. The court was shady all spring and summer with pecan trees, willows and mulberry trees. There was grass on every lot. I used to love it when it rained. Other than the awesome monsoon storms that hit here for the summer the rains would flood parts of the court. My aunt and uncles yard was all grass and the low spot turned into a swimming hole. At 8 years old it seemed like deep water anyway. There was a little store next door with a gas station and laundromat. We used to rake lea as for quarters to go buy slushies and candy. I drve by that old lot here and there. It's got a bunch of tiny one bedroom houses on it. It isnt the quaint little paradise it used to be. It was a colorful community. A place that embraced us everytime we went over. I miss the pecans in a bottle of Coke. I miss grandmother. Darwin reminds me of our little community so much.
Rooster J, what wonderful memories you have to share with others, i thank you for sharing them, such a beautiful read. It puts me in that location with you, they were indeed good times as children. Peace and cheers from Canada.
In a world where no one is listening because they are all too busy talking about themselves we forget there are people worth listening to, who have stories that are truly unique and worth telling. If we can't sit quiet long enough to hear them tell it we lose not only their story, we lose a part of our own.
So it's wrong for society as a whole to talk too much about ourselves because none of our stories are unique or worth telling... But at the same time, it IS ok for other people (who are apparently NOT part of society as a whole) to talk about themselves, because their stories ARE worth listening to. And are people who are part of the second group automatically good listeners? Or are they also busy talking about themselves? 😅 Got it, makes sense.
@@Adelicows Either you meant your response rhetorically or you are confused or are trying to confuse. Although it starts out as a question you end with a period, in any case I'll try to clear a few things up; Yes, I do believe it is wrong for people to talk "too much" about themselves, constructive and healthy conversation requires that people also take the time to listen to and about others. We all have interesting and unique stories to tell, that is the essence of being individuals, each of us is unique, each of our lives are filled with fascinating, moving, spiritual, heartbreaking, terrifying, wonderful, joyful experiences that combined form the story of who we are. Between these fleeting moments, however, is a crap load of the mundane, repetitive, and banal. We are all allowed to talk on about our morning commute or how we folded the laundry, but no one wants to hear about it, no one gains anything from it, nothing new is shared. Talking too much about oneself not only bores and annoys other people, it prevents both the jabberjaw and those around them the opportunity of hearing something interesting from someone else's life story, from gaining knowledge or insight, from growing as an individual by hearing about experiences we ourselves may never have. Sharing is caring, more listening and less blaring. Listening and talking are not meant to be mutually exclusive. Thanks for listening.
Amazing to find a place where everyone, whatever their past and hardships, has found a sanctuary where they can live their lives in peace. Everyone in the video seemed so easy going and content.
My wife and I are empty nester. It would be tempting to live in a place like this. But she had a stroke about 18 months ago. And she's diabetic too. So I need to stay near medical facilities. She's on dialysis too. So this place is off limits to us.
getting people to talk this candidly is a talent it starts with getting your own self out of the way whoever made this documentary brings empathy to their job each day
I was on an adventure motorcycle ride 4 years ago. We came out of Apple Valley and went on dirt roads all over Death Valley. At one point we ended up in Darwin. It was like a ghost town with a few people living there. We never saw anyone. I'm really glad I got to see this documentary. The way these people live I believe is good for the soul. Live and let live.
I think it is more a lesson how and what happens when you just live life, mind your bisness and do not need interferance from anyone but your own good judgement and common sense.
Yes , me also Dallas Clarke , was it that a great doc, I absolutely love documentaries too ! This was a great one ,I never new that Darwin even existed , ❤️🙏🇨🇦
This is an outstanding documentary, beautifully photographed. The good people of Darwin really opened up to the crew. This documentary deserves many awards.
@@milibor-iu2dl5be8t They're partly tired of their past & somewhat broken.Most people will end up like that & than die finishing the scool of life. Hopefully they'll be happier in the afterlife. God gave us free will. 🙏. No judgements. Peace and love ❤️.
1:25:21 It's eerie watching a doc from 13 years ago, and seeing a man speak on his inevitable passing, and knowing that it very likely has occurred, that he's now 6 ft under in the area he was referring to.
Darwin reminds me of the island of misfit toys from the Christmas cartoon, yet these misfits have found a way to survive together in a cruel and unforgiving world. I admire them a lot and wish them the best.
Whoever made..edited and produced this documentary deserves an oscar..I'm from Liverpool..UK..have no interest in places like this whatsoever but this was enthralling from start to finish..take a bow boys cos you deserve it..and thanks for uploading it..whoever you are..just subbed..excellent work.
Hello from across the water in Runcorn. I find these places fascinating, and understand the pull of a small community living in quite harsh conditions away from main stream society.
I'm American South Carolina, moved here to the UK two years ago. Live in Hoddesdon Wonderful country and people. Love the British and I read many times about WWII and Winston Churchill. All respect to the British Military. Old Marine myself.
I live relatively close to Darwin and was a FedEx delivery driver for the town. I had a paper hand drawn map to find the homes to deliver to because street names and the addresses for homes or trailers are not easily found. Physical landmarks were the best way to navigate to different locations because street signs were not common. I once delivered a wedding dress for one of the residents who was having a pagan wedding in the circle art garden and she was very sweet and talkative but other than that you didn’t really see anyone around there at all. The Darwin Mine was hiring people a few years ago to work as laborers and offering lodging as part of their compensation but it doesn’t seem like the mine has stayed open since then. It’s got a lot of charming art sculptures around the town and neat old buildings from the mining days but most of the people seem to live in trailers. They are a 45 minute drive to any food or gas stations so I imagine it’s a tough place to live. Thankful for all the stories that were told by these residents of Darwin and wish there was a way to get another one for these people still living there!
Beautiful Documentary. No fake reporting but allowing the residents to tell their own stories in their own words, their own thoughts. Simple and straight.
I hope help me orphans l need medicine until insurance healthy Cut off about him Please help Syrian refugee Jordan إخواني وأخواتي بالله يأهل الخير ياعباد الله الصالحين نحنا بنات أيتام 2اولادضغار 2مع أمي مريضه محتاجه دواء حتى تأمين صحي قطعو عنها اناشدك بالله محمد رسول الله ترئفو وصغنا والله مهجرين من بلدنا مالنا معين من الله اناشدكم بالله ساعدوني بحسنة الأيتام والله اعلم بحالنا أقسم بالله العظيم مرقت ظروف مايعلم فيها غير الله اناشدك أولادك ذكاتهم أنك ترئف حالنا ماتردني كرمال الأيتام قاصدتك الأيام الفضيلة أنك ترئف وضعنا عندي تقرير طبي يثبت كلامي طالبي العون منكم وجه الله تعالى،
This was very interesting and and a learning opportunity… real live stories that this community shared was heartfelt. Their stories is a true testament of how a community should be. Thank you for sharing.
I am from an English seaside town. I put this on in the background while I was cleaning my flat, but ended up sitting down and watching it properly. The United States is so fascinating, in that it feels so much more familiar than some of our own very close European neighbours whom we share a continent with because at its inception it was built from a British framework, we share a common language, and from birth like the rest of the world we watch American TV programmes and films, but that makes the foreign and alien aspects to it all the more pronounced. The sheer vastness and variety of the landscape all in one sprawling nation, and the isolation that can afford some communities, very strange and interesting to someone from a country where for the most part you're never very far away from the nearest town, and we all live on top of one another. I love my country - not in the God save the Queen sense or any of that bollocks - but I mean our cities and towns, and our green fields, country lanes lined with hedgerows, canals, and village pubs etc. I find this landscape to be very barren and bleak, but it's amazing that the differences in human taste and perception are thus that these people can look around them and find beauty in that very same landscape.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s so different to the landscape of the U.K. that is green and lush, but because land and property in the U.K. is so expensive finding somewhere too live where you can get peace and quiet comes at a major premium, most of which Myself included can’t afford. Even though it’s bare and bleak out three, I actually think I could live there. Be polite, help when your neighbours or community needs it, but at the same time you can enjoy peace and quiet at what appears a low cost lifestyle. I can’t imagine these people have money and appear very resourceful.
its like that because they're in an area thats known to be a desert wheras if you go more north, youll find your mountains topped with green trees. I live in Canada and its so weird going from the plains of Alberta to the Rocky Mountains of BC, such an amazing sight to see! I love how beautiful my country is as well
I live in Az , inside the city and if you want to go to the store or gas, you will walk two blocks which is 3 miles away. The streets in the Uk are close. Here in the west of USA, there’s plenty of shops and cafes, far. We have buses and Uber Many bikes, the population is probably 6 million by now. The west is an adventure indeed, every time you drive somewhere? It’s something new.
This little town is very interesting. I loved it when I heard the old man saying , "That's not my business what they're doing at their house" Amen. They all seems like just great, regular folks that want to live and let live. Live in peace and get along. My kind of ppl.
@@delanorrosey4730 Omg it does! You must have been a big Tremors fan (my favorite movie as a kid) to remember the name 'Perfection'. And who says they're isnt any grabboids in Darwin? Lol.
@@jking0.o121 I saw the movie as a kid; I think the guy with the dune buggy must've too. I don't think he could afford a Caterpillar bulldozer and ruined tanker trailer with flat tires. Lol.
I've only ever heard of Darwin in Australia ( my apologies if I've spelt it wrong). I've turned 50 today and I wish people would realise that we all have a past, each and every one of us. And some of it we're not proud of, in fact we are embarrassed & ashamed. But we are older now and much more accepting & we will still make mistakes, we are all human. Not one of us is perfect. Best wishes to all in this video & I wish them all a happy life, much love from Scotland xx
@@geoffreyalula1065 I hope help me orphans l need medicine until insurance healthy Cut off about him Please help Syrian refugee Jordan إخواني وأخواتي بالله يأهل الخير ياعباد الله الصالحين نحنا بنات أيتام 2اولادضغار 2مع أمي مريضه محتاجه دواء حتى تأمين صحي قطعو عنها اناشدك بالله محمد رسول الله ترئفو وصغنا والله مهجرين من بلدنا مالنا معين من الله اناشدكم بالله ساعدوني بحسنة الأيتام والله اعلم بحالنا أقسم بالله العظيم مرقت ظروف مايعلم فيها غير الله اناشدك أولادك ذكاتهم أنك ترئف حالنا ماتردني كرمال الأيتام قاصدتك الأيام الفضيلة أنك ترئف وضعنا عندي تقرير طبي يثبت كلامي طالبي العون منكم وجه الله تعالى،
I absolutely agree! I love documentaries about all kinds of topics, but this one is extra special. Very interesting & entertaining people in that tiny town. Glad I watched this.
As a lover of the desert, and a fledgling RUclipsr myself, I love how you’ve captured a snapshot of the living history of such a unique corner of the Universe. This is about as good of a documentary as it gets! Great job!
This wasn't done by the Real Stories team. The original documentary of this was shown on KQED Arts (they even copied word for word their description) and was filmed by Nick Brantestini. Please when suggesting this video, link the original.
@@Gia_Marie Sorry Gia, I did not know that. At the end of this "Real Stories" RUclips video, they appear to roll full credits which list Nick Brandestini, Taylor Segrest, Michael Brook, Sandra Ruch and the rest of the creative team. I just found this video one evening and with over a million views in two months it looks like a LOT of people are finding it that way too. In fact, I had just made a comment on this link, so I didn't even know about the original. Can you post that so people can see the original location for this amazing documentary? How can Real Stories do this, if KQED Arts was the creator of this content?
If you look at their about page, it appears that they compile documentaries here, rather than making them. It also appears that they do get the licensing to legally put the documentaries on RUclips. I only noticed one privated video as I scanned through their lists, and they’ve been doing it for six years, so I think it’s legit, but IDK.
Im so wrapped up in this town and the people, i need more! Such a great documentary. Allowed the people to tell their story the way it was meant to be told without questions and fillers. Wonderful job.
They probably were asked questions but they were edited out. Actually they had to have started the conversation to stories somehow and it has to start with something like tell about the mining days,tell me about your life here.
I know this comment is a little old, but if you're still interested Peter Santenello just put out a video he did here. They don't say the name of the town in the video (per the resident's request) but you can tell it's Darwin. ruclips.net/video/m9_qwKD3euY/видео.html
Been to Darwin a number of times when passing through the Western part of Death Valley. Interesting town for sure, with some great art sculptures throughout. One time on an overlanding trip I took a group to the town after coming over a trail from Panamint Springs. We spent about 1.5 hours looking around and just talking with locals in front of the post office. A very diverse and interesting group of people with some real talents as you find in places where living is not easy. One of the folks in our group who lived in Big Sur actually ran into someone that use to live near him there. Lots of interesting stories out there from the history of the town.
Imagine a time gone by. People just being together, no judgements, help each other and do what needs done. Be who you want to be but be who you are. Stay safe folks, and thank you for sharing❤️
Love their loyalty towards each other and how they look out and take care for each other this place looks very peaceful better from all the city crimes
This is one of the realist documentaries I've watched. Felt like I was sitting with them. They lead a simple life. As life should be. They have the biggest luxury in life, peace and contentment, even tho they have had some of the worst experiences. And open minded and pretty dam cool.
I used to go out to the desert in the winter to ride dirt bikes. The peace you feel out there is so good for the soul. It feels like a big weight comes off your shoulders when you leave all the stress of life behind you.
@1:13:00 reminds me of what mom always said- like chapters in a book, about every ten years you change, you aren't the same person, you finish one chapter and move on to the next one.
Yes, 10 years is about right. I see my life divided into distinct decades. On the last (probably), in the 8th of 8. Do not find these people in Darwin appealing though. All old (except the young couple, who left) and in their last decade. Most bitter about their lives, which often involved violence. You don't have to live in a trailer in desolation to have a peaceful last decade.
Darwin is proof that there is a place for everyone. None of these people took an easy road to end up in Darwin, but it looks to me like they are in the right place. They remind me of the old timers that lived on small ranches up in the hills in Eastern Washington.
@David Wang Well, Dave, I see you are living up to your name. Nice. I am really very pleased that all of life's complications, coupled with the bad luck of random chance, can be simplified so easily. Maybe you go off on these folks because you fear falling into the same rabbit hole. In either case, I am really very happy that you are not my neighbor.
@David Wang .. you nailed it.. spot on. even the ppl in this docu admitted prison time and failed goals.. some hide their excuses behind racism, etc but we are all accountable for our choices.. thank you for speaking up and saying it like it really is..!
@boydgrandy5769 That's a good point you make. People here commenting may question your tolerance when obviously they have little. Not everyone here perhaps wanted careers, or are convicts, losers, or never worked or feel like they have "nothing". It's clear that some people need to have "things" to make them feel wanted or happy. If you've ever been in the middle of the desert like here, you'll know the peace and serenity that's there. We are all different and we all have our own happy places.
@@JoshuaMichael53 that's what my grandma always tells me. She always tells me "life is what you make it, nothing is gunna come to you just by sitting around doing nothing, stop thinking the world is this horrible place when your young and have so much opportunities to be somebody" she says " you know how hard it was for me when I was younger? But you young people wanna get all up in arms when someone calls you something that hurt your feelings? This world is so unappreciative! She told me when I graduated highschool "you know just being a black woman you can get into college with a full ride?" Be appreciative for the things you can do now and take full advantage of it and stop whining and being a victim!
Excellent job! I grew up in Ridgecrest, the other side of China Lake NWC. My family has been there since the 40s. Darwin was always the “the big mystery” in the desert. Of course we were always curios, especially after Manson. So glad to see the other side, of thriving human life. Thank you!
The music in this documentary is beautiful and I really found all the stories so interesting, almost like listening to my parents telling me stories! I love being reminded to slow down in life and really take the time to appreciate what you have in the moment.
True life documentary’s are always way more interesting than what Hollywood puts out. It would be nice to see how everyone has progressed and is coping in this even crazier world than what they all escaped from. Would be nice to get an update on the their water supply as well. Great documentary.
It’s all about the water supply isn’t it? Some areas have abundant water but not quality It’s all about creating your micro landscape with fruiting trees and vegetables….
I also live in the hi desert area of California in a little village called Landers. I've been to Darwin and also Slab city which is another town like this with no laws. I admire these people who are true to who they are and committed to living this way 9f life. DEFENITLY some of the most unique, honest and independent characters I've ever encountered in my 58 trips around the sun
I've been to Landers. How long have you lived there? My sister and her husband lived there, so did her husband's brother, just down the road (Old Woman's...something road, which came into Yucca Valley. They are all passed, now, but maybe the house is still there.
"I met the man, and he is a piece of ****" best line in the documentary. Very interesting lifestyle. Many Californian's live in TINY rural towns and lots of folks who've never been to Ca do not know that these small communities are everywhere that cities are not. FYI. It was the "gold country" so not only Death Valley, but the entire Sierra Nevada Mountains are littered with tiny towns. Many remind me of this place; some are large enough to have police. Many are not.
What an amazing group of people. They are so self aware and incredibly accepting and understanding of other ways of life. Such a supportive little community
Now THIS IS truly a special picture of Americana . So serenely simple. I was going to pass it up, but i was attracted to "a town with no laws and just 35 people. Being from NYC , i immediately stopped . As a singer /songwriter ,this Darwin film, with its people and vast landscape sucked me right in to a world filled with so many possibilities for new songs. Everyone and everything was a song unto itself! Monty, for me was the main attraction; perhaps because he ,like me ,is an artist and i respected his personal philosophy. Yes, a uniquely realistic landscape of people and life itself. Excellent ALL-AROUND job.
@@markiobook8639 Thank you for your insightful response to my comment on this film and your desired success for me. I experienced both, but felt more comfortable with success. Never wanted fame because life started moving at a rapid pace ,and everyone wanted a piece of me. i walked away from the top of the "MUSIC WORLD & all it entailed which caused alot of frustration to some BIG names in the business Columbia Records/Sony Music for instance. Walked out twice on them. Success however, was more my pace and allowed me to still perform in many venues and be a professional recording artist with my guitar on in international scale. I am much older now and STILL play...just 3 yrs younger than Annie Lennox, my favorite singer-songwriter. When you grow up with the Classic period of MUSIC - The 60's to 80's, and you breathe MUSIC from Puerto Rican folk music to being a folk singer myself who hung out with the top Jazz musicians. Believe me ,it has been a ride i NEVER dreamed of! Now, i want to play / write for the GIVER of the MUSICAL GIFT: Jesus Christ. He ALONE deserves the GLORY. It started with HIM and it WILL end with HIM. So, you're correct and insightful in saying, success. Fame is fleeting. Success is harder to achieve, and lasts ever SO MUCH longer.
I used to live in this town in the 60's. Francis Black was the Mayor, postmaster, prinipal and teacher. We had all grades in one school until we started taking bus to Lone Pine. We used to ride our bikes down to lower Darwin and buy hot dog bubble gum. My Dad was a miner and had his own copper claim. They had a drunk lady there that would get drunk and fall in the ditch and we called her screaming Susie. We had Puerto Rican neighbors. Reef, Chris, Cliff and can't remember baby name. If your out there and see this video contact me! I miss the old days.
Oh man the couple at the cemetery, when he said yeah we take care of our own and when his wife stepped on a grave, brought a tear to my eye, absolutely priceless these people are!
What a magnificent example of the journalist's craft. To be able to involve so many people, telling their fascinating stories, could only have occurred if the film makers were able to impress the residents with their unimpeachable integrity. Had any of the residents 'smelled a rat' they wouldn't have got past first base. A tribute to human resilience within the population, which, in the end, shows the town to be a microcosm of wider society. I am thankful the makers saw no need for superfluous voiceovers, nor the questions they posed to the residents. Mind you, the editing process must have been a nightmare because of this. Well played them.
It’s like the saying “It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey that matters” So many people around the world work hard all their lives in the hope of attaining their dream , which always comes down to one thing , being happy The people in Darwin have given themselves permission to have their dream now Imagine if every person could just show who they really are and feel free to be the person they were born to be , no judgement The world would be a better place for everyone I hope the people of Darwin are always happy From Deb in Australia
A world with out judgement... I'm not sure about that. Judgement calls out evil and stupidity. Using judgement is how the human species made it this far.
@@debbiewatts8665 I as well Debbie. If more people had empathy, I believe the world wouldn’t be in as much trouble as it is now. Yeah that good ole’ saying, about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, is such a great way to see a different perspective other than our own. I love the first comment of yours, when you said, “it’s not about the destination”. Thanks for sharing that. God bless from Michigan!!
This is such a beautiful community of differences and I love that they're all just trying to be happy amongst one another even if one's idea of happiness is different
You think these people are happy? They seem defeated, and no one is hanging around each other, shooting the bull and having "fun". Complete waste of lives.
@Janitor Queen They seem content...at least most of the older folks do with the exception of maybe 1 or 2, but who is to say whether dude's just being cantankerous as some of the elderly tend to be. (Monte is the main one I'm speaking about.) Monte is quite the artist though! Maybe it's because he's a typical moody artist lol.
I agree, it seems utopian, it obviously is very much more complicated like our own lives, imperfect but with fleeting sunny days, but I fee more sunny ones than cloudy- and the Darwin folk stand up on that ridge and blow the clouds back out to sea.
Doing drugs and crimes while young, and not being able to do that when they get old? Boy, you all discovered something! Just don't forget to blend it with prejudism, human primitives!
They don't seem so peaceful to me. They seem quite opinionated and down right honery! I'll bet you would see a completely different side of them, if you said one word to disagree with them.
I have watched the people of Darwin for many years and would like to be there and see the settlement and people seems like a nice place to go to, I am 77 years old and I may get there still thank you for publishing this great place May GOD bless you all
I thought the cat on a leash was kinda weird, but other than that, just a small community in the desert. There’s a bunch in the ozark mountains, but try to do a story on them, and there may be some buckshot involved. These “loners” in the vid sure are ready and willing to tell their tale to the world. That was the other surprise besides the cat.
@@ff5eddie400 There could be several reasons to keep the cat -temporarely- on a leash. Maybe there is a new dog in town who's hunting, or wild animals around. Maybe the cat just had an operation and needs to stay close for savety or observation. Maybe the cat is a wanderer and has already dissapeared so many or long times. Who knows, there might be a not so weird reason.
@@aarde7036 Righto on the cat. I was just expecting three eyed albinos or some strange and mysterious types of people doing some thing illegal or socially unacceptable. They’re just a couple lesbians, a naked piano player, and a starving artist. This is pretty tame compared to my wild hillbilly neighbors. Not as noteworthy as I had expected Is all..
@@aarde7036 well geez! I guess so! As there really isn’t much to these tumbleweeds. They have the character of a stale cigarette in coffee . I’ve seen more personalities in dogs.
I was in a movie called ESCAPE FROM DARWIN. Filmed in Darwin in Nov 2004. A lady named Miriam had a real nice house close to the dance hall let us stay at her house. Also another man let us stay in his house that was partly underground. You can see the movie on RUclips. I was the girl at the bar with the scarred face. Hi Miriam! I'm the one who gave you a turquoise ring that you gave to your mom😀
@@scottsdale4899that’s what these people don’t get. They cherry picked everything he said to create a narrative just as he explained they’d done. That guy was the best of the bunch by far, he said it best people are voting no because they’re not the one who “came up with the idea”… ya really couldn’t be more petty than that…
Monty I just want to say you are somebody some of the greatest artists lead extraordinarily different lives and often were not appreciated until they were gone. Grateful to have had the opportunity to see your artwork. And your wife put the dog in check LOL.
I have a motorhome and I’m currently camped out in the Mojave Preserve a few hours from Darwin. I’m planning on visiting there soon. Maybe I’ll film it.
This is such a great documentary! Loved it. I have been to Darwin many a times to photograph, but never knew this mysterious serene desert town in such depth. Now I do! Thanks.
Great documentary. I'm surprised I've never heard of Darwin, Ca. The Salton Sea is another story I enjoy learning about. It's another forgotten area with very few ppl left living there.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to their stories. Very well done. Quite a unique collection of people living together. If I was passing through, I would definately sign up for their tour.
I actually watched a more recent documentary about Darwin than this one. Just a few weeks ago. The problem is, I have no idea where I found it, and now I am annoyed. They were all different people featured than the ones in this doc. If I figure out where I watched it, I'll post it here.
I lived in California for over 50 years and drove throughout California. But the closest that I got to Darwin was when I drove to Death Valley on the 190 which is 6.5 miles from the town. It is desolate out there.
@@LuchadorMasque actually, I have. I'm also a survivalist. To me personally, an atmosphere like this is far more simple and peaceful that a bustling city with a massive population. Having to work to sustain your daily life (i.e. crop growing, wood gathering, shelter maintenance, minimal mater usage etc.) is far more of a simple and peaceful life than working a job where your boss might as well not even know your name, for barely enough money to get by and hating having to do it. I would much rather live a life like this that's personally fulfilling.
There's nothing simple about the invasive and gossip-laden culture of a small town where people feel to a greater or lesser extent that they make their own laws. You life is your own - IF they agree with your philosophies. If not, you'll never take another breath that really feels like it's only yours in a town like this.
I rv full time and travel , it’s quite enjoyable.. lot less stressful ... I totally agree this type of life in this doc I personally would like much more then city life
Thank you for making this important documentary about the beloved people of Darwin and their way of life. I respect the towns people's sense of living how they want to live. I think it is a wonderful, clear and intentional way of life; definitely better than living in large metropolises. At least they know who are theirs neighbors and they look out for each others as neighbors should. Also, that was some mighty egg mister!
This was not done by the Real Stories team. The original documentary of this was done by KQED Arts (they even copied word for word their description) and was filmed by Nick Brantestini. Please when suggesting this video, link the original.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
These are the type of documentaries that need to be made more often no fake or staged people or stories pure raw emotions and stories
Much better than any staged "reality" show.
This is not all factual. Many ppl. hide out away from other ppl. as they also are hiding away. Not impressed.
Get rid of the Kardashians bring in the real reality. Ordinary people.
Yes I know.
It's like tell me something real!
@@deborah9775 Well, hurrah for you. You obviously didn't understand that that was what they were saying.You couldn't know either way & it doesn't even matter. You sound a tad pompous to me.....l don't know, but there ya go.....c'st la vie.
My grandmother owned a trailer court here in southern NM. She bought the land in the late 50s and by the late 60s she had close to 30 trailers for rent. Most of the renters had been there since day one. Grandmother was very close friends with a lot of the people. It was neat how the people were like characters in a TV show. I grew up in and around that trailer court until grandmother passed in the late 80s. All of her friends knew me and my mom and brother as well as the rest of my family who lived in town. A tight knit, friendly, warm and welcoming community. I always felt so secure and welcome there. Grandmother was like the boss around there in some of the rent trailers there would be people fighting, getting drunk and loud. My aunt was married to my un le who was a biker who rode for the 1% MC here and they as well as a dozen others lived in the 4 rent trailers across from the office and grandmother's trailer. When things got heated the bikers handled it. It didn't get out of hand very often. I wish the trailer court hadn't been sold. I always had somewhere to live rent free if I wanted. The court was shady all spring and summer with pecan trees, willows and mulberry trees. There was grass on every lot. I used to love it when it rained. Other than the awesome monsoon storms that hit here for the summer the rains would flood parts of the court. My aunt and uncles yard was all grass and the low spot turned into a swimming hole. At 8 years old it seemed like deep water anyway. There was a little store next door with a gas station and laundromat. We used to rake lea as for quarters to go buy slushies and candy. I drve by that old lot here and there. It's got a bunch of tiny one bedroom houses on it. It isnt the quaint little paradise it used to be. It was a colorful community. A place that embraced us everytime we went over. I miss the pecans in a bottle of Coke. I miss grandmother. Darwin reminds me of our little community so much.
Rooster J, what wonderful memories you have to share with others, i thank you for sharing them, such a beautiful read. It puts me in that location with you, they were indeed good times as children. Peace and cheers from Canada.
@@albertawheat6832 Thank you.
@@doubletap855 Your right NObody cares about your futile attempt at gaining some attention....Next.
@@doubletap855 You obviously do.
I appreciate your time sharing your story with us! God Bless
In a world where no one is listening because they are all too busy talking about themselves we forget there are people worth listening to, who have stories that are truly unique and worth telling. If we can't sit quiet long enough to hear them tell it we lose not only their story, we lose a part of our own.
Sit in a Rocking Chair or Hammock
So it's wrong for society as a whole to talk too much about ourselves because none of our stories are unique or worth telling... But at the same time, it IS ok for other people (who are apparently NOT part of society as a whole) to talk about themselves, because their stories ARE worth listening to.
And are people who are part of the second group automatically good listeners? Or are they also busy talking about themselves? 😅
Got it, makes sense.
@@Adelicows Either you meant your response rhetorically or you are confused or are trying to confuse. Although it starts out as a question you end with a period, in any case I'll try to clear a few things up; Yes, I do believe it is wrong for people to talk "too much" about themselves, constructive and healthy conversation requires that people also take the time to listen to and about others. We all have interesting and unique stories to tell, that is the essence of being individuals, each of us is unique, each of our lives are filled with fascinating, moving, spiritual, heartbreaking, terrifying, wonderful, joyful experiences that combined form the story of who we are. Between these fleeting moments, however, is a crap load of the mundane, repetitive, and banal. We are all allowed to talk on about our morning commute or how we folded the laundry, but no one wants to hear about it, no one gains anything from it, nothing new is shared. Talking too much about oneself not only bores and annoys other people, it prevents both the jabberjaw and those around them the opportunity of hearing something interesting from someone else's life story, from gaining knowledge or insight, from growing as an individual by hearing about experiences we ourselves may never have. Sharing is caring, more listening and less blaring. Listening and talking are not meant to be mutually exclusive. Thanks for listening.
So true .
Roy you could be the new mayor there it is made for you
Amazing to find a place where everyone, whatever their past and hardships, has found a sanctuary where they can live their lives in peace. Everyone in the video seemed so easy going and content.
Place is stuck in time, makes you slow down and turn the page one piece at a time too. I’d love to live like this
My wife and I are empty nester. It would be tempting to live in a place like this. But she had a stroke about 18 months ago. And she's diabetic too. So I need to stay near medical facilities. She's on dialysis too. So this place is off limits to us.
Imagine waking up and going to bed nothing new same old song and dance
They found their summerland
@@Cory_glocks yikes
getting people to talk this candidly is a talent
it starts with getting your own self out of the way
whoever made this documentary brings empathy to their job each day
absolutely. people don't open up unless they feel safe and not judged.
I couldn't finish watching but this insight is 100% truth.
@@ho2cultcha aa
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@@jeanborland6105 ????
@@hilslamer I kinda felt at times I wasn't going to watch it all the way through either , glad I did though , maybe you should ?
I was on an adventure motorcycle ride 4 years ago. We came out of Apple Valley and went on dirt roads all over Death Valley. At one point we ended up in Darwin. It was like a ghost town with a few people living there. We never saw anyone. I'm really glad I got to see this documentary. The way these people live I believe is good for the soul. Live and let live.
So the town is still going? Is the post office in use?
I think it is more a lesson how and what happens when you just live life, mind your bisness and do not need interferance from anyone but your own good judgement and common sense.
I'm curious how many people are living there now. This was made 13-14 years ago.
@@aananimity Not many more.
@@aananimity I was wondering the same.
I love documentaries like this. Just letting people talk and allowing them tell their own stories. Great job.
Yes , me also Dallas Clarke , was it that a great doc, I absolutely love documentaries too ! This was a great one ,I never new that Darwin even existed , ❤️🙏🇨🇦
U may or may not like Nature Doc's... But If so check out River of Life RUclips 🇨🇦 @@heatherbowlan1961
And what wonderful stories of people just living their lives.
Great....I'm happy you are happy
Yes, i very much agree Dallas Clarke,
This is an outstanding documentary, beautifully photographed.
The good people of Darwin really opened up to the crew.
This documentary deserves many awards.
I love all these people who are in this documentary. Thank you to the good people of Darwin for sharing your lives with us.
hey
Did you not notice that they all hate each others!?? How could they be good then ??
@@milibor-iu2dl5be8t 😂
@@milibor-iu2dl5be8tand the rest of the world is any different?
@@milibor-iu2dl5be8t
They're partly tired of their past & somewhat broken.Most people will end up like that & than die finishing the scool of life. Hopefully they'll be happier in the afterlife.
God gave us free will. 🙏.
No judgements.
Peace and love ❤️.
1:25:21 It's eerie watching a doc from 13 years ago, and seeing a man speak on his inevitable passing, and knowing that it very likely has occurred, that he's now 6 ft under in the area he was referring to.
Peter Santenello “Death Valley” video. It’s weird because you don’t see any of the people who are in this documentary just 12 years later
gone, but like a streaking shooting star, we were lucky enough t look up and see his brilliance, short though it was
This is beautiful & I am grateful this documentary exists. I love these people.
Darwin reminds me of the island of misfit toys from the Christmas cartoon, yet these misfits have found a way to survive together in a cruel and unforgiving world. I admire them a lot and wish them the best.
What a GREAT ANALOGY!!! Bravo! So true!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💜🕊🙏✝️💕🌹✡️🙋♀️
Whoever made..edited and produced this documentary deserves an oscar..I'm from Liverpool..UK..have no interest in places like this whatsoever but this was enthralling from start to finish..take a bow boys cos you deserve it..and thanks for uploading it..whoever you are..just subbed..excellent work.
Hello from across the water in Runcorn. I find these places fascinating, and understand the pull of a small community living in quite harsh conditions away from main stream society.
@@hilarygibson3150 I know, I'm oddly both strongly drawn to the place and equally repelled by it.
Like they say, we've all got a back story...
Yes indeed
I'm also from the UK and feel the same, never normally watch stuff like this but I was glued from start to finish!
I'm American South Carolina, moved here to the UK two years ago. Live in Hoddesdon
Wonderful country and people. Love the British and I read many times about WWII and Winston Churchill. All respect to the British Military. Old Marine myself.
You should put more ads in, I don’t think 35 is enough....
lmao
use an ad blocker, best thing ever !!!!!!!
I pay RUclips for ad free viewing. I can’t stand commercial interruptions.
AD BLOCKER PLUS is free
@@hiissh - I also signed up for ad free RUclips because, on my phone, I can exit out of the RUclips app and the video will keep playing.
I live relatively close to Darwin and was a FedEx delivery driver for the town. I had a paper hand drawn map to find the homes to deliver to because street names and the addresses for homes or trailers are not easily found. Physical landmarks were the best way to navigate to different locations because street signs were not common. I once delivered a wedding dress for one of the residents who was having a pagan wedding in the circle art garden and she was very sweet and talkative but other than that you didn’t really see anyone around there at all. The Darwin Mine was hiring people a few years ago to work as laborers and offering lodging as part of their compensation but it doesn’t seem like the mine has stayed open since then. It’s got a lot of charming art sculptures around the town and neat old buildings from the mining days but most of the people seem to live in trailers. They are a 45 minute drive to any food or gas stations so I imagine it’s a tough place to live. Thankful for all the stories that were told by these residents of Darwin and wish there was a way to get another one for these people still living there!
@@Jennifermcintyre free rent makes people happy. No taxes too
Letting people talk. Letting people tell you about themselves and who they are. A wonderful, wonderful thing. As this documentary proves.
Susan, two weeks without smoking, "Meanwhile, I'm a postal worker, & I haven't killed anyone" ... with a totally straight face. She's a character!
I had a good laugh over that one also. Probably the best one in the whole show.
I've got the best job, regardless you know, it is the only job!
That made me laugh too.
Two weeks without smoking what?
obviously shes high as a kite.
Susan's by herself a documentary; maybe Real Stories should do an independent narrative on just her… and yes, she's high on something
I would love to see an update on Darwin. Beautiful documentary. Best one I've seen
The best doc I have seen on Darwin CA. Also... the only doc I have seen about Darwin , CA.
Beautiful Documentary. No fake reporting but allowing the residents to tell their own stories in their own words, their own thoughts. Simple and straight.
I hope help me orphans l need medicine until insurance healthy Cut off about him
Please help
Syrian refugee Jordan
إخواني وأخواتي بالله يأهل الخير ياعباد الله الصالحين نحنا بنات أيتام 2اولادضغار 2مع أمي مريضه محتاجه دواء حتى تأمين صحي قطعو عنها اناشدك بالله محمد رسول الله ترئفو وصغنا والله مهجرين من بلدنا مالنا معين من الله اناشدكم بالله ساعدوني بحسنة الأيتام والله اعلم بحالنا أقسم بالله العظيم مرقت ظروف مايعلم فيها غير الله اناشدك أولادك ذكاتهم أنك ترئف حالنا ماتردني كرمال الأيتام قاصدتك الأيام الفضيلة أنك ترئف وضعنا عندي تقرير طبي يثبت كلامي طالبي العون منكم وجه الله تعالى،
agreed! no mood altering music blast, or montage...easy watch
This was very interesting and and a learning opportunity… real live stories that this community shared was heartfelt. Their stories is a true testament of how a community should be. Thank you for sharing.
I am from an English seaside town. I put this on in the background while I was cleaning my flat, but ended up sitting down and watching it properly. The United States is so fascinating, in that it feels so much more familiar than some of our own very close European neighbours whom we share a continent with because at its inception it was built from a British framework, we share a common language, and from birth like the rest of the world we watch American TV programmes and films, but that makes the foreign and alien aspects to it all the more pronounced. The sheer vastness and variety of the landscape all in one sprawling nation, and the isolation that can afford some communities, very strange and interesting to someone from a country where for the most part you're never very far away from the nearest town, and we all live on top of one another. I love my country - not in the God save the Queen sense or any of that bollocks - but I mean our cities and towns, and our green fields, country lanes lined with hedgerows, canals, and village pubs etc. I find this landscape to be very barren and bleak, but it's amazing that the differences in human taste and perception are thus that these people can look around them and find beauty in that very same landscape.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s so different to the landscape of the U.K. that is green and lush, but because land and property in the U.K. is so expensive finding somewhere too live where you can get peace and quiet comes at a major premium, most of which Myself included can’t afford. Even though it’s bare and bleak out three, I actually think I could live there. Be polite, help when your neighbours or community needs it, but at the same time you can enjoy peace and quiet at what appears a low cost lifestyle. I can’t imagine these people have money and appear very resourceful.
its like that because they're in an area thats known to be a desert wheras if you go more north, youll find your mountains topped with green trees. I live in Canada and its so weird going from the plains of Alberta to the Rocky Mountains of BC, such an amazing sight to see! I love how beautiful my country is as well
I live in Az , inside the city and if you want to go to the store or gas, you will walk two blocks which is 3 miles away.
The streets in the Uk are close. Here in the west of USA, there’s plenty of shops and cafes, far. We have buses and Uber
Many bikes, the population is probably 6 million by now. The west is an adventure indeed, every time you drive somewhere? It’s something new.
@@74the_magpie 1 block = 1/4 mile. If you are walking 3 miles, then that's 12 blocks, not 2.
100%
Very moving. Thank you for letting the people tell their stories and for not interrupting with questions or commentary.
This little town is very interesting. I loved it when I heard the old man saying , "That's not my business what they're doing at their house" Amen. They all seems like just great, regular folks that want to live and let live. Live in peace and get along. My kind of ppl.
I've been to Death Valley several times and Darwin is worth a stop
Thanks for the documentary
“In the mean time, I’m a postal worker and I’ve not killed anyone yet!” Cracked me up !!
gone postal culture is a govt psychological operation
@@theyredistortingyourrhthym126 You’re Head is distorting your’s.
@@tundrawomansays5067 fail
🤣
I know that I'm sick but the first thing that I thought was: "I'd hit that!"
You start with a prejudice and end up with enlightenment. Deepest respect for the inhabitants of Darwin.
It’s like you took the words right out of my mouth. I prejudged them in the beginning and I am glad that I was wrong.
Interesting. I just started and am thinking......these are people who made a lot of bad decisions.
Place is full of pedophiles…😂😂😂😂😂😂 bring a a kid there, you’ll find out……
@@dakotyascott7996 until you ask them about their child predilections.
Place is over run with child molesters!
@@swaters5127 you'd be correct. They chose to pay the HIGH COST of LOW LIVING.
This documentary breaks your heart and then puts it together again. But the glue is dusty and the breaks are still jagged.
Well said. ❤✌
Beautifully said.
The postmaster talking about her son at the end made my cry right along with her.
Susan’s best quotes;
“Even a broken clock is right twice a day”
“I’ve got the best job, regardless Of...you know, it’s the only job” 🤣♥️
I like Susan.
Kinda reminds me of Perfection, Nevada - but without the Graboids. If there was no Graboids, nobody would ever know about Perfection, Nevada.
@@delanorrosey4730 Omg it does! You must have been a big Tremors fan (my favorite movie as a kid) to remember the name 'Perfection'.
And who says they're isnt any grabboids in Darwin? Lol.
@@jking0.o121 I saw the movie as a kid; I think the guy with the dune buggy must've too. I don't think he could afford a Caterpillar bulldozer and ruined tanker trailer with flat tires. Lol.
That part about her job made me laugh 😂 these folks are just fascinating to me.
That saying so old did you just learn it
I've only ever heard of Darwin in Australia ( my apologies if I've spelt it wrong). I've turned 50 today and I wish people would realise that we all have a past, each and every one of us. And some of it we're not proud of, in fact we are embarrassed & ashamed. But we are older now and much more accepting & we will still make mistakes, we are all human. Not one of us is perfect. Best wishes to all in this video & I wish them all a happy life, much love from Scotland xx
Happy birthday and God bless you
Hey Marie, i totally feel you..
Love to your Jockie from England, not all us Nigels are right proper bobies.
@@geoffreyalula1065 I hope help me orphans l need medicine until insurance healthy Cut off about him
Please help
Syrian refugee Jordan
إخواني وأخواتي بالله يأهل الخير ياعباد الله الصالحين نحنا بنات أيتام 2اولادضغار 2مع أمي مريضه محتاجه دواء حتى تأمين صحي قطعو عنها اناشدك بالله محمد رسول الله ترئفو وصغنا والله مهجرين من بلدنا مالنا معين من الله اناشدكم بالله ساعدوني بحسنة الأيتام والله اعلم بحالنا أقسم بالله العظيم مرقت ظروف مايعلم فيها غير الله اناشدك أولادك ذكاتهم أنك ترئف حالنا ماتردني كرمال الأيتام قاصدتك الأيام الفضيلة أنك ترئف وضعنا عندي تقرير طبي يثبت كلامي طالبي العون منكم وجه الله تعالى،
One of the best documentaries I've seen in several years.
This one is great too ruclips.net/video/SKTSVWiYee8/видео.html same idea but a little more crazy lol
Monty makes this docu so great! If he is still alive I'm gonna go visit them this year.
I absolutely agree! I love documentaries about all kinds of topics, but this one is extra special. Very interesting & entertaining people in that tiny town. Glad I watched this.
I wholeheartedly agree!
Documentary’s about Appalachian people are pretty good too.
What a BRILLIANT documentary story ,sooo interesting
As a lover of the desert, and a fledgling RUclipsr myself, I love how you’ve captured a snapshot of the living history of such a unique corner of the Universe. This is about as good of a documentary as it gets! Great job!
This wasn't done by the Real Stories team. The original documentary of this was shown on KQED Arts (they even copied word for word their description) and was filmed by Nick Brantestini. Please when suggesting this video, link the original.
@@Gia_Marie Sorry Gia, I did not know that. At the end of this "Real Stories" RUclips video, they appear to roll full credits which list Nick Brandestini, Taylor Segrest, Michael Brook, Sandra Ruch and the rest of the creative team. I just found this video one evening and with over a million views in two months it looks like a LOT of people are finding it that way too. In fact, I had just made a comment on this link, so I didn't even know about the original. Can you post that so people can see the original location for this amazing documentary? How can Real Stories do this, if KQED Arts was the creator of this content?
Five stars to the producers
If you look at their about page, it appears that they compile documentaries here, rather than making them. It also appears that they do get the licensing to legally put the documentaries on RUclips. I only noticed one privated video as I scanned through their lists, and they’ve been doing it for six years, so I think it’s legit, but IDK.
@@Gia_Marie They do this to alot of videos I've noticed
I'm pretty sure the postmaster is hammered. 😅
She's just on drugs or whatever :P
She seems like she has been on the front row of a Leonard Skinnard concert
Was going to comment the same. She is plastered. 😂
ya think?
@GOLD, BULLETS & BEANS yep
Im so wrapped up in this town and the people, i need more! Such a great documentary. Allowed the people to tell their story the way it was meant to be told without questions and fillers. Wonderful job.
Some of of those older folks have since passed away
They probably were asked questions but they were edited out. Actually they had to have started the conversation to stories somehow and it has to start with something like tell about the mining days,tell me about your life here.
I know this comment is a little old, but if you're still interested Peter Santenello just put out a video he did here. They don't say the name of the town in the video (per the resident's request) but you can tell it's Darwin. ruclips.net/video/m9_qwKD3euY/видео.html
A true documentary, no bias, no scripting, no fake cover ups.
Been to Darwin a number of times when passing through the Western part of Death Valley. Interesting town for sure, with some great art sculptures throughout. One time on an overlanding trip I took a group to the town after coming over a trail from Panamint Springs. We spent about 1.5 hours looking around and just talking with locals in front of the post office. A very diverse and interesting group of people with some real talents as you find in places where living is not easy. One of the folks in our group who lived in Big Sur actually ran into someone that use to live near him there. Lots of interesting stories out there from the history of the town.
That's so cool! ❤️ 😅 🌿
How long ago were you there?
Imagine a time gone by. People just being together, no judgements, help each other and do what needs done. Be who you want to be but be who you are. Stay safe folks, and thank you for sharing❤️
God's kinda place..bit he would rather his children be in Jerusalem..his favorite place
Love this..it's awesome and I love the fire truck and the gentleman's explaination..😅♥️
Sounds like you ready to leave 👍✌
God bless u
No drug abuse, violence or sexual assault there?! It’s a lawless society!
Love their loyalty towards each other and how they look out and take care for each other this place looks very peaceful better from all the city crimes
Cities are unnatural. We need more urban villages, far less suburbs.
What a documentary!!! I watched it in sections. Great filmologie, very captivating!!! Must’ve taken a lot of your time! Very appreciated!!!
This was filmed in 2009. Hopefully, you'll return for an update on the residents. This was so interesting!!
Yessss! That would be so cool!
Yep especially that it is now 2023 and the world was going to end in 2012 according to some in this doc
This is one of the realist documentaries I've watched. Felt like I was sitting with them. They lead a simple life. As life should be. They have the biggest luxury in life, peace and contentment, even tho they have had some of the worst experiences. And open minded and pretty dam cool.
I used to go out to the desert in the winter to ride dirt bikes. The peace you feel out there is so good for the soul. It feels like a big weight comes off your shoulders when you leave all the stress of life behind you.
Realist?
Yupppp... 👍 ✔️
We cried a long time ago we don’t cry anymore beautiful
I cried for the first time since I was 7 years old when Rush Limbaugh passed
@@YOU_CANT_BE_THAT_STUPID You're saying you didn't cry once during your adolescent and teen years? Are you a sociopath by any chance?
@@YOU_CANT_BE_THAT_STUPID how did he die?
@1:13:00 reminds me of what mom always said- like chapters in a book, about every ten years you change, you aren't the same person, you finish one chapter and move on to the next one.
Yes, 10 years is about right. I see my life divided into distinct decades. On the last (probably), in the 8th of 8. Do not find these people in Darwin appealing though. All old (except the young couple, who left) and in their last decade. Most bitter about their lives, which often involved violence. You don't have to live in a trailer in desolation to have a peaceful last decade.
Darwin is proof that there is a place for everyone. None of these people took an easy road to end up in Darwin, but it looks to me like they are in the right place.
They remind me of the old timers that lived on small ranches up in the hills in Eastern Washington.
@David Wang Well, Dave, I see you are living up to your name. Nice.
I am really very pleased that all of life's complications, coupled with the bad luck of random chance, can be simplified so easily. Maybe you go off on these folks because you fear falling into the same rabbit hole. In either case, I am really very happy that you are not my neighbor.
No. Those people in Eastern Washington actually WORKED. And had to, to survive.
@David Wang .. you nailed it.. spot on. even the ppl in this docu admitted prison time and failed goals.. some hide their excuses behind racism, etc but we are all accountable for our choices..
thank you for speaking up and saying it like it really is..!
@@boydgrandy5769 he didnt "go off" on anyone.. gosh forbid someone voices an opinion different than yours..? thats your level of tolerance?
@boydgrandy5769 That's a good point you make. People here commenting may question your tolerance when obviously they have little. Not everyone here perhaps wanted careers, or are convicts, losers, or never worked or feel like they have "nothing". It's clear that some people need to have "things" to make them feel wanted or happy. If you've ever been in the middle of the desert like here, you'll know the peace and serenity that's there. We are all different and we all have our own happy places.
The way the world is going. This place looks better and better.
So does Slab City. Jesus.
For government to become bigger, the individual must become smaller…
@@the_truck_farmer damn
@@JoshuaMichael53 that's what my grandma always tells me. She always tells me "life is what you make it, nothing is gunna come to you just by sitting around doing nothing, stop thinking the world is this horrible place when your young and have so much opportunities to be somebody" she says " you know how hard it was for me when I was younger? But you young people wanna get all up in arms when someone calls you something that hurt your feelings? This world is so unappreciative! She told me when I graduated highschool "you know just being a black woman you can get into college with a full ride?" Be appreciative for the things you can do now and take full advantage of it and stop whining and being a victim!
I couldn't agree more
It's nice to see that people who have a problem fitting in with society have a place to go
They have "society" that they fit in! Pls think before stating judgmental bs!
When society is crazy, it's best not to "fit in".
A place I could call home
Bet of course they direct it outwardly and not look within for the causes
Society doesn't fit in with them.
Excellent job! I grew up in Ridgecrest, the other side of China Lake NWC. My family has been there since the 40s. Darwin was always the “the big mystery” in the desert. Of course we were always curios, especially after Manson. So glad to see the other side, of thriving human life. Thank you!
I can't believe that I watched the whole thing. Very interesting people
Me either
Very candid, honest interviews. We gotta love this town for who they were and who they are..
The music in this documentary is beautiful and I really found all the stories so interesting, almost like listening to my parents telling me stories! I love being reminded to slow down in life and really take the time to appreciate what you have in the moment.
I'd love to find more info on the music, it's captivating.
Sounds like Bon Iver.
True life documentary’s are always way more interesting than what Hollywood puts out. It would be nice to see how everyone has progressed and is coping in this even crazier world than what they all escaped from. Would be nice to get an update on the their water supply as well. Great documentary.
their water supply is a tank, not a well.
@@sonofdamocles ROFL
ruclips.net/video/c2ioRBNriG8/видео.html
It’s all about the water supply isn’t it?
Some areas have abundant water but not quality
It’s all about creating your micro landscape with fruiting trees and vegetables….
What I find most interesting is how silver mining digresses to a lead mining operation and the possible health impacts on the miners and families
Very well made documentary - Thank you. The desert is a rough place and Darwin is no exception.
the ocean is a rough place, and so is the desert
@@MrChristian331 5 people live there?
Darwin is the desert right or is it a ocean? Confused
1:11:11 so depressing
@@1m2rich 35
I also live in the hi desert area of California in a little village called Landers. I've been to Darwin and also Slab city which is another town like this with no laws. I admire these people who are true to who they are and committed to living this way 9f life. DEFENITLY some of the most unique, honest and independent characters I've ever encountered in my 58 trips around the sun
And people complain about living in a town with 10,000.
THE INTEGRATRON.
This was made in 2012 I think. Is there a updated video on this town?
I've been to Landers. How long have you lived there? My sister and her husband lived there, so did her husband's brother, just down the road (Old Woman's...something road, which came into Yucca Valley. They are all passed, now, but maybe the house is still there.
I’ve been to Landers! And to Darwin. They are very similar for sure.
"I met the man, and he is a piece of ****" best line in the documentary. Very interesting lifestyle. Many Californian's live in TINY rural towns and lots of folks who've never been to Ca do not know that these small communities are everywhere that cities are not. FYI. It was the "gold country" so not only Death Valley, but the entire Sierra Nevada Mountains are littered with tiny towns. Many remind me of this place; some are large enough to have police. Many are not.
I’m glad these people found themselves a community to fit into and like. I hope they’re happy.
What an amazing group of people. They are so self aware and incredibly accepting and understanding of other ways of life. Such a supportive little community
WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?
Would really like to know what they think of what’s happened in the last ten yrs! ❤️🙏
Yes, definitely needs a follow-up film, would be interesting if done by same people.
Thanks!
Now THIS IS truly a special picture of Americana . So serenely simple.
I was going to pass it up, but i was attracted to "a town with no laws and just 35 people. Being from NYC , i immediately stopped . As a singer /songwriter ,this Darwin film, with its people and vast landscape sucked me right in to a world filled with so many possibilities for new songs. Everyone and everything was a song unto itself!
Monty, for me was the main attraction; perhaps because he ,like me ,is an artist and i respected his personal philosophy.
Yes, a uniquely realistic landscape of people and life itself.
Excellent ALL-AROUND job.
May your natural lyricism and poetic like prose propel you to the fame, no not fame sorry, success you justly deserve.
@@markiobook8639
Thank you for your insightful response to my comment on this film and your desired success for me. I experienced both, but felt more comfortable with success.
Never wanted fame because life started moving at a rapid pace ,and everyone wanted a piece of me. i walked away from the top of the "MUSIC WORLD & all it entailed which caused alot of frustration to some BIG names in the business Columbia Records/Sony Music for instance. Walked out twice on them.
Success however, was more my pace and allowed me to still perform in many venues and be a professional recording artist with my guitar on in international scale.
I am much older now and STILL play...just 3 yrs younger than Annie Lennox, my favorite singer-songwriter.
When you grow up with the Classic period of MUSIC -
The 60's to 80's, and you breathe MUSIC from Puerto Rican folk music to
being a folk singer myself who hung out with the top Jazz musicians.
Believe me ,it has been a ride i NEVER dreamed of!
Now, i want to play / write for the GIVER of the MUSICAL GIFT: Jesus Christ. He ALONE deserves the GLORY.
It started with HIM and it WILL end with HIM.
So, you're correct and insightful in saying, success. Fame is fleeting.
Success is harder to achieve, and lasts ever SO MUCH longer.
12 years later I am curious how many are still around. A Darwin revisited would be interesting to see.
Agreed!
I was thinking the same thing
Agree 💯
Our stay
The feds cleared the town after this video came out. Nothing but dust now. A few of the folks ended up in Tonopah and Goldfield.
I used to live in this town in the 60's. Francis Black was the Mayor, postmaster, prinipal and teacher. We had all grades in one school until we started taking bus to Lone Pine. We used to ride our bikes down to lower Darwin and buy hot dog bubble gum. My Dad was a miner and had his own copper claim. They had a drunk lady there that would get drunk and fall in the ditch and we called her screaming Susie. We had Puerto Rican neighbors. Reef, Chris, Cliff and can't remember baby name. If your out there and see this video contact me! I miss the old days.
So....is devil worship common there
@@busterbeagle2167 no one was worshipping the devil in this movie.
Sounds simple.
'hot dog bubble gum'? eww!
my ex brenda mcdaniel grew up there .. she was born in '66 .. you may remember her mom myrna mcdaniel or her dad gary wayne [a tramp miner]
Oh man the couple at the cemetery, when he said yeah we take care of our own and when his wife stepped on a grave, brought a tear to my eye, absolutely priceless these people are!
haha she said we dig 12 foot holes, which seems extremely unnecessary
The postmaster is definitely ON something
Most definitely..
@Curt Detman hahahah, you funny as
Yeah it's called depression. Mind your own business.
She is definitely high on something
She's drunk, I'm jealous she can be that loaded on the job 😂
What a magnificent example of the journalist's craft. To be able to involve so many people, telling their fascinating stories, could only have occurred if the film makers were able to impress the residents with their unimpeachable integrity. Had any of the residents 'smelled a rat' they wouldn't have got past first base.
A tribute to human resilience within the population, which, in the end, shows the town to be a microcosm of wider society. I am thankful the makers saw no need for superfluous voiceovers, nor the questions they posed to the residents. Mind you, the editing process must have been a nightmare because of this.
Well played them.
sometimes I feel the comment sections of youtube are just as interesting as this documentary. So many characters.
Gary it's interesting 🥃
Very interesting shelly 🍾
De fact u just realise dat makes u a d as
Welcome
Your comment was interesting to me :-)
Wonderful documentary, people are endlessly fascinating
It’s like the saying
“It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey that matters”
So many people around the world work hard all their lives in the hope of attaining their dream , which always comes down to one thing , being happy
The people in Darwin have given themselves permission to have their dream now
Imagine if every person could just show who they really are and feel free to be the person they were born to be , no judgement
The world would be a better place for everyone
I hope the people of Darwin are always happy
From
Deb in Australia
Debbie, Mike here in NC, 🇺🇸. Just wanted to say hello, to someone.
I can't believe so many people commenting on here that these people are happy - they look and act like the living dead and that's a stretch.
A world with out judgement... I'm not sure about that. Judgement calls out evil and stupidity. Using judgement is how the human species made it this far.
@@thealleys , there is truth in that as well sir .
I just wish people could treat each other as equal and not judge
Deb
Australia
@@debbiewatts8665 I as well Debbie. If more people had empathy, I believe the world wouldn’t be in as much trouble as it is now. Yeah that good ole’ saying, about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, is such a great way to see a different perspective other than our own. I love the first comment of yours, when you said, “it’s not about the destination”. Thanks for sharing that. God bless from Michigan!!
This is such a beautiful community of differences and I love that they're all just trying to be happy amongst one another even if one's idea of happiness is different
You think these people are happy? They seem defeated, and no one is hanging around each other, shooting the bull and having "fun". Complete waste of lives.
@Janitor Queen They seem content...at least most of the older folks do with the exception of maybe 1 or 2, but who is to say whether dude's just being cantankerous as some of the elderly tend to be. (Monte is the main one I'm speaking about.) Monte is quite the artist though! Maybe it's because he's a typical moody artist lol.
I agree, it seems utopian, it obviously is very much more complicated like our own lives, imperfect but with fleeting sunny days, but I fee more sunny ones than cloudy- and the Darwin folk stand up on that ridge and blow the clouds back out to sea.
This place truly looks oddly lovely... so many different people living together in peace just doing their thing!
That's what they said about Jonestown😅
Doing drugs and crimes while young, and not being able to do that when they get old?
Boy, you all discovered something!
Just don't forget to blend it with prejudism, human primitives!
Lovely? These people are crackheads.
They're not in peace.
They don't seem so peaceful to me. They seem quite opinionated and down right honery! I'll bet you would see a completely different side of them, if you said one word to disagree with them.
I have watched the people of Darwin for many years and would like to be there and see the settlement and people seems like a nice place to go to, I am 77 years old and I may get there still thank you for publishing this great place May GOD bless you all
A very soulful documentary. Watched nothing like this before. So truthful and so unpretentious.
I really liked this story. I wonder who's still there in 2023? Thanks to everyone for sharing their lives with us. Wishing you all the best!💗
I thought the cat on a leash was kinda weird, but other than that, just a small community in the desert. There’s a bunch in the ozark mountains, but try to do a story on them, and there may be some buckshot involved. These “loners” in the vid sure are ready and willing to tell their tale to the world. That was the other surprise besides the cat.
@@ff5eddie400 There could be several reasons to keep the cat -temporarely- on a leash. Maybe there is a new dog in town who's hunting, or wild animals around. Maybe the cat just had an operation and needs to stay close for savety or observation. Maybe the cat is a wanderer and has already dissapeared so many or long times. Who knows, there might be a not so weird reason.
@@aarde7036 Righto on the cat. I was just expecting three eyed albinos or some strange and mysterious types of people doing some thing illegal or socially unacceptable. They’re just a couple lesbians, a naked piano player, and a starving artist. This is pretty tame compared to my wild hillbilly neighbors. Not as noteworthy as I had expected Is all..
@@ff5eddie400 That replie says more about you than them.
@@aarde7036 well geez! I guess so! As there really isn’t much to these tumbleweeds. They have the character of a stale cigarette in coffee . I’ve seen more personalities in dogs.
Such an eclectic bunch. I wondered why they never mentioned the stars and what the cosmos looks like out there. Awesome doc. Thank you.
Amazing documentary! I wonder how many of these folks are still around 13 years later.
That old man at the end is such a cool guy! Wish could have a long conversation and a coffee with him. I hope he is still alive
I was in a movie called ESCAPE FROM DARWIN. Filmed in Darwin in Nov 2004. A lady named Miriam had a real nice house close to the dance hall let us stay at her house. Also another man let us stay in his house that was partly underground. You can see the movie on RUclips. I was the girl at the bar with the scarred face. Hi Miriam! I'm the one who gave you a turquoise ring that you gave to your mom😀
I'm going to look for that right now......Thanks.
I saw you there. Good movie !
have you done any other movies and how did you get a role in that movie?
I have to say, you were the highlight of the movie darlin'! It sucked on so many levels.
I have returned from that "BRILLIANT" mad cap adventure. Must have been so much fun. Thanks for the suggestion..
@@lorriehiner4049 No taste in "BRILLLIANT" B movies ??
The dude that invented the fire truck deserves way more than he has. Very thoughtful and community minded
Yup.
Except for hating his children
He didn't invent the fire truck! I bet the only reason he made the fire truck was cause he didn't have a fire hydrant in front of his property.
@karlwithak.Lmao that's only 15 years dude. That's not enough time to kill all those people. They weren't all that old 🤣
@@scottsdale4899that’s what these people don’t get. They cherry picked everything he said to create a narrative just as he explained they’d done. That guy was the best of the bunch by far, he said it best people are voting no because they’re not the one who “came up with the idea”… ya really couldn’t be more petty than that…
That postal lady is hammered
Ok, I think I know why she is hammered.
Or disabled?
Oh for sure!
Maybe it's opiates, like pain killers, like oxycontin.. kills the pain, the pain of "life."
🎉Yep, she may be hammered, but one thing's for sure: she wants the whole wide world to know that she is NO BIGOT 😂 !!!
Monty I just want to say you are somebody some of the greatest artists lead extraordinarily different lives and often were not appreciated until they were gone. Grateful to have had the opportunity to see your artwork. And your wife put the dog in check LOL.
When I first heard this, I thought it was Darwin, Australia...
Texas
The title would certainly suggest so.
Not only you even me.
Same here... I mean Darwin is isolated... but not that isolated. They have plenty of Maccas
Me 2
Mesmerizing….I couldn’t stop watching…… ready for Darwin 2 ! You are an amazing movie/ documentary maker!!!
This legit made me all choked up. 💖💖💖 The art, the song, your heart!!!
This is one of the BEST documentary’s I have seen. Outstanding.👍🏻👍🏻
I have a motorhome and I’m currently camped out in the Mojave Preserve a few hours from Darwin. I’m planning on visiting there soon. Maybe I’ll film it.
Did you ever go?
@@mszyanya7161 Yes. He was never seen or heard from again.
@@tyjohnston5889 🤣👍
@@tyjohnston5889 But authorities did locate the burned-out shell of his motorhome.
soo... tell us more
This is such a great documentary! Loved it. I have been to Darwin many a times to photograph, but never knew this mysterious serene desert town in such depth. Now I do! Thanks.
Lies
Great documentary. I'm surprised I've never heard of Darwin, Ca. The Salton Sea is another story I enjoy learning about. It's another forgotten area with very few ppl left living there.
Would love to see a follow up documentary since this one was filmed in 2009. Curious how everyone is doin
That would be awesome
Totally agree. I’m afraid of who is gone. You know some are gone as in passed away.
You can, it's called Slab City! Quite Interesting too.
@@winddancergypsy4313 that isnt a follow-up to this but still pretty cool
@@kevinwiller6708 Yep, different joint but still rad.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to their stories. Very well done. Quite a unique collection of people living together. If I was passing through, I would definately sign up for their tour.
This film was warm yet a bit gritty and I loved it! 2022 now and I’m curious how the town’s residents are doing. Please do a update!
ruclips.net/video/m9_qwKD3euY/видео.html
I actually watched a more recent documentary about Darwin than this one. Just a few weeks ago. The problem is, I have no idea where I found it, and now I am annoyed. They were all different people featured than the ones in this doc. If I figure out where I watched it, I'll post it here.
Here is one I found from 10 months ago, but it's not the one that I watched. ruclips.net/video/m9_qwKD3euY/видео.html
Such a well done documentary on the people and stories of the Darwin, CA lives and history. 100%
I enjoyed watching this thank you to all and to the people of darwin.
Aw that's so sweet. I loved it too. 🙂👍
They are dead... most.
So in a nutshell, every single inhabitant is lost in their own specific way.
bingo
Ha in a nutshell
I'd argue that most of the Western World is just as lost. Worse yet, they are in denial about it.
@Soup Some worse than others.
Or hiding!
I lived in California for over 50 years and drove throughout California. But the closest that I got to Darwin was when I drove to Death Valley on the 190 which is 6.5 miles from the town. It is desolate out there.
What a great documentary. Very well done.
I could definitely see myself living a life like this. Simplicity and peace.
That place looks neither simple or peaceful. Have you ever lived in a small town? 100% these people are up each others assholes ALL the time
@@LuchadorMasque actually, I have. I'm also a survivalist. To me personally, an atmosphere like this is far more simple and peaceful that a bustling city with a massive population. Having to work to sustain your daily life (i.e. crop growing, wood gathering, shelter maintenance, minimal mater usage etc.) is far more of a simple and peaceful life than working a job where your boss might as well not even know your name, for barely enough money to get by and hating having to do it. I would much rather live a life like this that's personally fulfilling.
@@LuchadorMasque u got that right!
There's nothing simple about the invasive and gossip-laden culture of a small town where people feel to a greater or lesser extent that they make their own laws. You life is your own - IF they agree with your philosophies. If not, you'll never take another breath that really feels like it's only yours in a town like this.
I rv full time and travel , it’s quite enjoyable.. lot less stressful ... I totally agree this type of life in this doc I personally would like much more then city life
I'd be great to have a follow up since this was done in 2009! Wonderfully done!
Here's a recent video from someone else ruclips.net/video/m9_qwKD3euY/видео.html
6:37 seeing a road like this i always remember "BREAKING BAD"!. I wish could forget the series and rewatch agad :(
Thank you for making this important documentary about the beloved people of Darwin and their way of life. I respect the towns people's sense of living how they want to live. I think it is a wonderful, clear and intentional way of life; definitely better than living in large metropolises. At least they know who are theirs neighbors and they look out for each others as neighbors should. Also, that was some mighty egg mister!
This was not done by the Real Stories team. The original documentary of this was done by KQED Arts (they even copied word for word their description) and was filmed by Nick Brantestini. Please when suggesting this video, link the original.
@@Gia_Marie Thank you. I will.
I live in New York City and truly enjoy this Magical City. But I also find this town extremely intriguing and unique--a fantastic place for vacation.
Incredibly sensitive and perceptive. Raw and touching. Wonderful documentary. Thanks for sharing this piece of art with us. 🙏