MovieChat Forums > Sometimes a Great Notion (1972) Discussion > What happened with that tree?

What happened with that tree?

posted 13 years ago by shepherd-26
4 replies | jump to latest

What exactly happened with that tree that apparently didn't fall correctly and caused the injuries to Henry and trapped the brother in the water?

[–] rdduling 13 years ago

The tree 'barber chaired'. Its a logging accident that can happen when felling a tree during the back cut when the tree splits up the middle. Its rare but can happen. The scene was very well done.......The tree that Hank fell was not the same tree that trapped his brother.

[–] shepherd-26 13 years ago

Thanks rdduling, I didn't know about that term so I googled it and saw a Youtube video of it happening. Very interesting. In the movie I think Michael Sarrazin calls it "tree slab."

[–] lisajohn-4 13 years ago

I've never heard the term "barber chair" with respect to this, but I have heard of the term "slabing". And my old man was a logger in the Tillamook Burn (Oregon) way back in the 1930's! I imagine both terms apply depending upon location and history. Anyway, a great movie in my opinion.

[–] rac701 8 years ago

Joe Ben ("Joby") Stamper was Hank's cousin, not his brother.