Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1975 to 1976
Broadcast Medium: Television
Aired Thursday nights from November 20, 1975 to March 4, 1976.
This innovative program was a half hour series, written and directed by new Canadian talent. It was developed by John Hirsch, head of CBC drama and produced by George Bloomfield or Gerald Mayer. Eleven shows were produced on tape; another five on film, offering two different formats for the new talent. Bloomfield preferred the more adventurous and experimental productions, while Mayer chose more conventional filmmaking. The blend offered viewers some interesting television each week.
The films produced under Gerald Mayer’s control included Melony, directed by Martin Lavut; Susan, by Peter Rowe; Fight Night, directed by Clarke Mackey; The Kill, directed by Tad Jaworski; and a film by Frank Vitale.
Bloomfield oversaw the taped productions, some of which concerned television and the modern media: A Country Fable, by Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille, was about a country man’s infatuation with Mary Tyler Moore, while Festering Forefathers and Running Sons, with Codco, was a satire of Maritimers and their encounter with a crew from the National Film Board. Codco, a Newfoundland based comedy troupe, later got their own show in 1988. [See CODCO] John Hirsch later served as Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival.
Written by John Corcelli – September, 2005