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Revision as of 04:10, 16 July 2006 by 72.61.36.172 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story is a CBC Television miniseries first aired in two consecutive parts on March 12 and March 13, 2006. It dramatizes and fictionalizes the life and career of Tommy Douglas, the Canadian politician who oversaw the legislation of Canada's first medicare program as premier of Saskatchewan. The production is directed by John N. Smith and produced by Kevin DeWalt.
Cast
- Michael Therriault - Tommy Douglas
- Kristin Booth - Irma Douglas
- Graham Bell - Mr. Fortier
- Nicholas Campbell - Edward James Young
- Brent Carver - Secretary Balsam (fictional)
- Adrian Devine - M.J. Coldwell
- Paul Gross - John Diefenbaker
- Shannon Jardine - Lally
- Andy Jones - Mackenzie King
- Robert Maloney - Woodrow S. Lloyd
- Brian Markinson - Jimmie Gardiner
- Don McKellar - Clarence Fines
- Rob Roy - Weyburn Arena Moderator
- R.H. Thomson - Dr. Moulds (fictional)
- Ian Tracey - Charlie Lawson
- Kent Wolkowski - Danny Reeves
- ??? Shirley Douglas
Controversies
Critics of the film have pointed out that the depiction of James Gardiner as a drinker was inaccurate. In response to criticisms from the Gardiner family, the CBC has pulled Prairie Giant from all future scheduled broadcasts and has halted both home and educational video sales, also stating that it could return if they find a solution to address the concerns.
Attention has also been drawn to the funding provided to the film by the Government of Saskatchewan (with the NDP in power) as the promotion of Tommy Douglas is seen by some as self-serving for the NDP.
Funding
Here is a general breakdown of the funding the film had received:
| Funding Source | Amount (CDN$) |
|---|---|
| CBC - Broadcast license | $1,204,500 |
| Telefilm Canada - Equity Investment Program | $2,480,000 |
| Canadian Television Fund - License Fee Top-Up Program | $1,520,000 |
| Saskatchewan NDP Government - Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 | $614,000 |
| Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit | $471,494 |
| Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit | $1,589,606 |
| CanWest Western Independent Producers Fund | $110,000 |
References
- CBC: CBC pulls Tommy Douglas movie
- Leader-Post: CBC yanks Douglas movie. James Wood. Jun 13, 2006. pg. A.1.Fro
- CBC WatchNDP party $614,000 contribution
- Email with Janine Stener, Associate Producer, Mouseland Productions Inc. June 22nd, 2006.
- For the love of Tommy; Dave Margoshes. The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ont.: May 10, 2005. pg. R.3
- Moose Jaw Times Herald. Moose Jaw, Sask.: Mar 21, 2006. pg. 2
See also
External links
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