Donald Brittain
Directing
Biography
Donald Code Brittain, OC (June 10, 1928 – July 21, 1989), was a renown award winning Canadian film maker, especially with the National Film Board. He directed, wrote, narrated and produced over 100 films and documentaries. His breakthrough came with "Fields of Sacrifice" in 1963. Brittain's legacy isn't just his films; his camaraderie and perfectionism left a lasting impact and set the standard for professionalism at the National Film Board.
Born: June 10, 1928
Place of Birth: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Known For
Tommy Douglas: Keeper of the Flame
This feature documentary traces the political career of T.C. (Tommy) Douglas, former premier of Saskatchewan and leader of the New Democratic Party, who was voted the Greatest Canadian in 2004 for his devotion to social causes, his charm and his powers of persuasion. Known as the "Father of Medicare," this one-time champion boxer and fiery preacher entered politics in the 1930s and never looked back.
Stravinsky
This documentary is an informal portrait of the great modern composer Igor Stravinsky. Proudly American, though still very much an Old World figure with a long and alert memory for people and events in music, literature and art, Stravinsky is depicted here conducting the CBC Symphony Orchestra in a recording of his Symphony of Psalms.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Leonard Cohen
A 1964 documentary portrait of Cohen in his pre-musician days as a poet and stand-up comedian.
Canada's Sweetheart: The Saga of Hal C. Banks
A biographical drama that profiles the life of Hal C. Banks, a controversial American labour union leader, who came to Canada in 1949 to lead a violent fight against the rival communist shipping union. He once ruled the Canadian shipping industry, but his brutal tactics would bring his downfall.
Whistling Smith
This film is a revealing portrait of a tough cop with a big heart. Sergeant Bernie "Whistling" Smith walks the beat on Vancouver's Eastside, the hangout of petty criminals, down-and-outs and a variety of characters. His policing is unorthodox. To many drug users, petty thieves and prostitutes in this economically depressed area he is more than the iron hand of the law, he is also a counsellor and a friend.
What on Earth!
The Martians speculate on the nature of Earth's apparent dominant life form, automobiles.
The Champions, Part 1: Unlikely Warriors
In Part 1 of this 3-part documentary series, director Donald Brittain chronicles the early years of Pierre Elliott Trudeau and René Lévesque. From their university days in the 1950s to 1967 when Lévesque left the Liberal Party and Trudeau became the federal Minister of Justice, Brittain attempts to get at the heart of what makes these men so fascinating.
The Champions, Part 2: Trappings of Power
Part 2 of this 3-part documentary series about Pierre Elliott Trudeau and René Lévesque covers the years between 1967 and 1977, a colourful decade that saw Trudeau win three federal elections, the 1970 October Crisis and the sweeping rise to power of the Parti Québécois.
Volcano: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry
This feature-length Oscar®-nominated documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.
The Champions, Part 3: The Final Battle
The final instalment of this 3-part documentary series about Pierre Elliott Trudeau and René Lévesque spans the decade between 1976 and 1986. The film reveals the turbulent, behind-the-scenes drama during the Quebec referendum and the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution. In doing so, it also traces both Trudeau's and Lévesque's fall from power.
Filmography
as Self (archive footage)
as Self
as Narrator
as Narrator
as Self - Narrator (voice)
as Narrator (voice)
as Narrator
as Narrator
as Self - Narrator (voice)
as Narrator (voice)
as Narrator
as Self - Narrator
as Narrator
as Narrator
as Narrator