The writer and film historian Mary Graham discusses her new book A Stunning Backdrop: Alberta in the Movies, 1917-1960 (Bighorn Books, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

A Stunning Backdrop: Alberta in the Movies, 1917-1960 by Mary Graham (Bighorn Books, 2022). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: A Stunning Backdrop

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

A new book, a stunning one really (it’s actually in the title), A Stunning Backdrop: Alberta in the Movies, 1917-1960 was recently published, and tells the story of movie production in Alberta. It started with American filmmakers seeking the bucolic and breathtaking scenery of the Wildrose Province, which embodied the myth of the Great Northwest, mountains and the last frontier. The book is well researched, and a beautifully illustrated one with great photographs, stills from productions, as well as more recent photos showcasing where some memorable movies were shot. The book’s author Mary Graham joins me now. I’ll ask her about what made Alberta an ideal place to shoot movies, about the industry that’s grown there over the years, as well as touch on some of the films shot there up to 1960, their legendary directors and their unforgettable stars. I’ll ask Mary too about the relationship the Stoney Nakoda had with film producers, and their participation in productions. Mary Graham is a writer, documentary journalist, and film historian. This new book is from Bighorn Books, which is an imprint of University of Calgary Press. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Mary Graham; Ms. Graham, good morning.

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