The man who dragged Newfoundland into Canada, kicking and screaming (mostly him).
This feature-length documentary paints a lively portrait of Father of Confederation and first premier of Newfoundland Joseph Roberts Smallwood, or "Joey," as he is known to most Canadians. Following one of Canada’s most colourful political figures during a two-and-a-half-month period that included a stormy Liberal leadership convention, the film reveals a man misunderstood even by his close associates.
Direction
Julian Biggs captures unguarded moments without editorial puppetry.
Acting
Smallwood performs for the camera constantly—documentary or delusion?
Director
Julian Biggs
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Julian Biggs was a founding director of the NFB's English-language production, and this was among his final films before leaving for private broadcasting.
Smallwood's 1949 campaign to join Canada was so divisive that Newfoundlanders still debate 'the betrayal' at kitchen tables—this film lets him charm his way through history's judgment.
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