Our Collection

Golden Oldies looks back at the National Film Board of Canada's first two decades. In Opening Speech, the late animation genius, Norman McLaren, gives his own inimitable welcome (6 min. 33 sec.). A craft as old as time is demonstrated by present-day Inuit in How to Build an Igloo (10 min. 27 sec.). A touch of humanity filters through a seemingly burden-filled existence as the camera watches Paul Tomkowicz: Street-railway Switchman at work in the Winnipeg winter (9 min. 12 sec.). The World War II film, Keep Your Mouth Shut, warns civilians on the dangers of careless gossip (2 min. 22 sec.) The necessity of planting trees on the prairies to conserve soil is explained in Windbreaks on the Prairies (21 min.). The first Oscar ever awarded to a documentary and to the NFB went to Churchill's Island, a World War II film describing wartime in England, narrated by Lorne Greene (22 min.). The issue of driving safety is explored in Gentleman Jekyll and Driver Hyde (8 min. 18 sec.). Also 4 Songs 4 Gentlemen, a vintage sing-along film. (8 min.).

1989, 85 min

50 for 50: Volume 1

4 Songs by 4 Gentlemen

Churchill's Island

Gentleman Jekyll and Driver Hyde

How to Build an Igloo

Keep Your Mouth Shut

Opening Speech: McLaren / Discours de bienvenue de Norman McLaren

Paul Tomkowicz: Street-railway Switchman

Windbreaks on the Prairies