Riel (film)

Riel
GenreBiography
Drama
War
Written byRoy Moore
Directed byGeorge Bloomfield
StarringRaymond Cloutier
Christopher Plummer
Roger Blay
Lloyd Bochner
James Bradford
Theme music composerWilliam McCauley
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerStanley Colbert
ProducerJohn Trent
CinematographyVic Sarin
EditorMyrtle Virgo
Running time150 minutes
Original release
NetworkCBC
ReleaseApril 15, 1979 (1979-04-15)

Riel is a 1979 Canadian made-for-television biographical film about Métis leader Louis Riel.[1]

Plot

Louis Riel leads the Red River and North-West Rebellions against the Canadian government's expansionist ideas. The first was a successful rebellion in which created the Province of Manitoba and a later more violent and unsuccessful one in Saskatchewan in 1885 which led to his capture, trial and eventual execution

Cast

Production

The film was shot at Cinespace Film Studios in Kleinburg, Ontario, with additional photography at Ottawa, Ontario. The production utilized the local community to fulfill extra roles and stunt riders. Community members like Jim Naish, and others, earned a spot with their shooting and riding abilities.

Release

Prior to its showing on television, a special premiere showing of the film was done at the Governor General's residence in Ottawa (Government House). Prior to the viewing, a private dinner was held with Jean Allard and Joe Teillet, descendants of Riel; Willie Dumont, a descendant of Gabriel Dumont; Eric Wells, who discovered the Riel diaries; and E. B. Osler, author of a book on Riel. The full cast and director attended the screening, as well as Al Johnson, president of the CBC, who introduced the film as "what the CBC is all about".[2]

References

  1. ↑ Gerald Pratley, A Century of Canadian Cinema. Lynx Images, 2003. ISBN 1-894073-21-5. p. 184.
  2. ↑ King, Pauline (April 19, 1979). "OTTAWA WHIRL: Jane Eyre back to Bronte country". The Globe and Mail. p. T8.
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