Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1977
Broadcast Medium: Television
Aired in two parts, October 26, 1977 and November 2, 1977. Repeated March 22, 1981 as a special.
This two-part documentary, which aired as one program in 1981, was a dramatic reconstruction of the life and death of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. It was presented by musician/composer Murray Adaskin. The first half outlined the life and times of Thomson, Frederick Varley, Arthur Lismer, JEH Macdonald, Frank Carmichael and Lawren Harris. It covered the years 1910 to 1920, including the mysterious death of Thomson in 1917.
The second part took a closer look at the Group of Seven and its contribution to Canadian Art until 1930, when the group disbanded.
Two years of research went into the story of one of Canada’s most acclaimed artists. The producer was Nancy Riley; the cinematographer was Ken Gregg.
[For more about the Group of Seven, visit http://archives.cbc.ca]
Written by John Corcelli – September, 2005