Robert Christie

Folio, a precursor to CBC's renowned fine-arts series Festival, aired for four years starting in 1956. The series showcased original dramas, music compositions, and ballets, many originating from diverse regions across Canada. Notable episodes featured Barry Morse in a new staging of MacBeth, along with performances by Canadian talents like Robert Goulet and Sharon Acker. One of the highlights included a musical adaptation of the beloved Canadian classic, Anne of Green Gables. Airing without sponsorship, Folio thrived until its conclusion in the fall of 1960. Producers: Robert Allen, Harvey Hart, David Greene, Mario Prizek and Ronald Weyman.

The story of three pets, a cat and two dogs, who lose their owners when they are all on vacation. Can they find their way home?

Environmentally concerned lawyer Abigail Adams works with Professor Roger Keller in his effort to protect baby seals from slaughter.

The story of Oedipus' gradual discovery of his primal crime, killing his father and marrying his mother, filmed by the famed British theatrical director Sir Tyrone Guthrie. This elegant version of Sophocles' play adds a brilliant stroke: the actors wear masks just as the Greeks did in the playwright's day.

When a car accident orphans his young nephew, a Shaolin monk journeys to the United States to look after the lad and open his own martial arts academy, but he soon gets caught up in a dangerous kung fu underworld.

Nico, a drug dealer, murders a telegram messenger-boy "for kicks", egged on by partner-in-crime, TV director Francis. Cliff, the boy's older brother, investigates his death due to the slow progress made by the police.

This short film depicts how a small Canadian city, bearing the name of Stratford and by a river Avon, created its own renowned Shakespearean theatre. The film tells how the idea grew, how a famous British director, international stars and Canadian talent were recruited, and how the Stratford Shakespearean Festival finally became a triumphant reality.

This short biopic profiles Montreal lawyer-turned-politician George-Étienne Cartier as he campaigns to unite English and French Canada under Confederation. The political world of a century ago comes to life as we hear debates in the Parliament of Upper and Lower Canada amidst political strife and personal feuds. Ultimately, Cartier skilfully allays the fears of party and sectional leaders, convincing them that federal union would protect, rather than weaken, Quebec’s cherished rights of language and religion. The eloquent and enigmatic Cartier was instrumental in shaping the Canada that was soon to emerge.

For Alexander Galt it was the middle of the road, until he saw some hope for his dream of a united Canada. What was he like, this stubborn idealist? How did he measure up to other political strongmen of his time? In this film you sense the personal clashes and the interplay of political ambitions that left their mark on history.

The Violin is a 1974 short film by Andrew Welsh and George Pastic, featuring Maurice Solway. Solway also wrote the original music. The film promotes peace and understanding through the power of music and the exchange of knowledge and friendship between the old and the young. In 1975, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

Millions of years scroll by in 10 minutes, illustrated by ingenious designers: this is the geological history of Canada.

The story of John A. MacDonald’s rise to power.