Network: Société Radio-Canada (SRC) TV Network
Broadcast Run: 1968 to 1969
Broadcast Medium: Television
In the enchanting surroundings of Île d’Orléans, Radio-Canada’s first colour production, d’Iberville, took shape. Totalling 39 thirty-minute episodes of in all, this historical fresco, in which Switzerland, Belgium and France collaborated, starred Albert Millaire, Gilles Pelletier, Jean Besré, Françoise Faucher and Yvon Deschamps. It aired from October 7, 1968 to June 23, 1969, then was retelecast in 1970. The series was regrettably a rare example of a French language production aired on the CBC English network.
The author was Guy Fournier, the dialogue writer, Jacques Létourneau, while the screenwriter was Jean Pellerin. Pierre Gauvreau directed the series.
This first colour serial drama was an adaptation of the life of Pierre Lemoyne, at the height of his career, in 1682, until the creation of a colony in Louisiana in 1704. Pierre Lemoyne, Sieur D’Iberville, was born in Ville-Marie (Montreal) on July 20, 1661. At 14 years old, he was already a sailor apprentice on his father’s boat. At 21, he embarked upon a remarkable career as a soldier and adventurer that led him to travel all over North America.
The series brought to life the battle between France and England for control over the Hudson’s Bay fur trade. It depicted the struggles and skirmishes, on both land and sea, between the French, the British and the Dutch for the control of North America and the shaky alliances established between the White Man and the
Aboriginals.
The construction and setting up of the scenery began in March 1966 and was completed in September 1967.
The actor, Albert Millaire, in the role of d’Iberville
Written by Yvon Chouinard – February, 2006