A Century of Canadian Cinema

Book excerpt: Indulge your love of Canadian films with 'A Century of Canadian Cinema'. Each entertaining review contains the film's director, writer, actors, plot, length and year of production. The guide contains films from the industry's earliest beginnings in Canada right up to the latest releases -- from 1920s silent films to David Cronenberg and Denys Arcand -- and it offers insight from a long-time industry observer into how and why these films have made an impact on the Canadian film industry and Canadian society. From plaid jacket and toque-wearing films shot in the Arctic to co-productions filmed in tropical climes, and from films shot in six weeks on a shoestring to ten-year ordeals that nearly meant the end of everyone involved our directors and actors have done it all. Using the guide's convenient cross-indexing, follow the first big breaks, the roller-coaster rides, and the latest endeavours of your favourite Canadian talent. Through his distinguished career, Gerald Pratley has made an extraordinary impact on Canadian cinema. In 1948, he became CBC's first film critic and commentator, broadcasting every week until 1976. industry ever since. Numerous honours have been awarded to Pratley in appreciation of his years of commitment. Among them are the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Order of Canada, an Honourary Doctor of Letters, and a Special Genie Award for his exceptional support and encouragement of achievement and excellence in Canadian cinema.