The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

William Lyon Mackenzie: A Friend to His Country

1961 28 min
Leaving soon

This documentary short is a portrait of Scottish-born journalist, politician, and rebellion leader William Lyon McKenzie. The first mayor of Toronto, he was an important leader during the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. This film portrays his election, his later defeat, his exile, and his fight for responsible government.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
William Lyon Mackenzie: A Friend to His Country
  • The History Makers
    The History Makers
    1959 - 1964 3 editions
    From the most intrepid explorers to the fathers of Confederation, this series of 17 half-hour episodes tells the compelling early history of our great country.

Details

This documentary short is a portrait of Scottish-born journalist, politician, and rebellion leader William Lyon McKenzie. The first mayor of Toronto, he was an important leader during the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion. This film portrays his election, his later defeat, his exile, and his fight for responsible government.

  • director
    Julian Biggs
  • producer
    Julian Biggs
  • cast
    Douglas Rain
    Kate Reid
    Henry Ramer
    Grace McNair
    Charles Palmer
    Ed McGibbon
    Anthony Tremblay
    Georges Toupin
    Chris Wiggins
    Tom Kneebone
    John Raskin
    Basil Fitzgibbon
    Roger Marshall
    Eugène Jousse
    Eric Matheson
  • history advisor
    Maurice Careless
    Guy Frégault
  • photography
    John Gunn
  • script
    Joseph Schull
  • sound
    Leo O'Donnell
    George Croll
  • art director
    Earl Preston
  • production manager
    Robert Baylis
  • assistant director
    Stuart Baker
  • sound editor
    Sidney Pearson
  • sound mix
    George Croll
  • music editor
    Joan Edward
  • wardrobe
    Philippa Wingfield
  • makeup
    Robert Rybka
  • continuity
    Yolande Stewart
  • assistant designer
    Michael Devine
  • executive producer
    Guy Glover

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 11 to 18
School subjects

Research the causes of the 1832 Rebellion. William Lyon Mackenzie has often been seen as a radical in Canada; how accurate is this description? Consider viewing the following films at the same time:  Lord Durham, Louis-Joseph Papineau: The Demi-God, William Lyon Mackenzie: A Friend to His Country and Robert Baldwin: A Matter of Principle. Organize a class debate with each group representing one of these politicians.

William Lyon Mackenzie: A Friend to His Country
Purchase options
Also available