Guns of the Trees
“Don’t take the poet’s anger for hysterics. When you hear a poet shouting, think about your own existence which is in danger.”
Synopsis
Barbara, a young woman consumed by despair, contemplates suicide, while a man she meets in a church and a married couple struggle to persuade her that life is still worth living. Mekas’s film weaves this intimate drama into a larger reflection on alienation, politics, and the turbulence of early 1960s America.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Jonas Mekas - Guns of the Trees (trailer)
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-04-23
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Frances Stillman
Barbara
Ben Carruthers
Ben
Adolfas Mekas
Gregory
Argus Spear Juillard
Argus
Frank Kuenstler
Frank
Louis Brigante
Luis
Sudie Bond
Sudie
Leonard Hicks
Leonard
Melvin Clay
Man Looking for Job
George Maciunas
Man with Theorbo
Tina Stoumen
Girl on Swing
Barbara Tucker
Woman with Child
Allen Ginsberg
Self (voice)
Anne Flannagan
Pregnant Woman
Sterling Jensen
Mime II
Marvin Karpatkin
Man at the Desk
Stuart Perkoff
Poetry Reader
Jewel Walker
Mime I
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 28, 1961
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jonas Mekas
- Screenplay & Story
- Jonas Mekas
- Original Score
- Lucille Dlugoszewski
- Original Title
- Guns of the Trees
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
- Production Studios
- NACG
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jonas Mekas
Jonas Mekas
Lucille Dlugoszewski
Jonas Mekas
Department Leadership Roster
Jonas Mekas
Director
Jonas Mekas
Writer
Jonas Mekas
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Guns of the Trees.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Jonas Mekas
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guns of the Trees
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Guns of the Trees about?
Barbara, a young woman consumed by despair, contemplates suicide, while a man she meets in a church and a married couple struggle to persuade her that life is still worth living. Mekas’s film weaves this intimate drama into a larger reflection on alienation, politics, and the turbulence of early 1960s America.
Who directed Guns of the Trees?
Guns of the Trees was directed by Jonas Mekas.
Who stars in Guns of the Trees?
The principal cast of Guns of the Trees includes Frances Stillman, Ben Carruthers, Adolfas Mekas, Argus Spear Juillard, Frank Kuenstler.
When was Guns of the Trees released and how long is it?
Guns of the Trees was released in 1961 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.
Who composed the musical score for Guns of the Trees?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Guns of the Trees was composed by Lucille Dlugoszewski.