Production

Julian Biggs

Born February 24, 1920 · Port Perry, Ontario, Canada

Died December 4, 1972 · aged 52

Julian Biggs (1920–1972) was a director and producer with the National Film Board of Canada and its first Director of English Production. Over the course of his 20-year career, he created 146 films, two of which (Herring Hunt (1953) and Paddle to the Sea (1966)) were nominated for Academy Awards. His film 23 Skidoo (1964) received two BAFTA nominations, including the BAFTA United Nations award. B…

Known For

The BarrierThe Barrier · 1957
The Barrier
★ 9.01957
MovieDrama
This feature-length drama, originally broadcast in two parts as part of the NFB television series "Perspective," tells two sides of the same story to illustrate the lack of communication between employer and employee. The story takes us into a fictional paper company to meet two men who, despite having similar goals, are at odds with each other. First, we see the tale unfold from the point of view of the employee, and then we get to see the same story retold through the eyes of the employer.
The RailrodderThe Railrodder · 1965
The Railrodder
★ 6.81965
MovieComedy
After literally swimming across the Atlantic Ocean, an Englishman takes a country trip across Canada on a railcar.
HowardHoward · 1957
Howard
★ 8.01957
MovieDrama
Howard Mitchell is a responsible young man who will soon be graduating from high school. He works at Resnick's Pharmacy to be able to earn enough money to put himself through college. But in part because of the life lessons he learns from Mr. Resnick through Mr. Resnick's somewhat cynical observations of the customers that come into the pharmacy, Howard is intrigued by an offer from George, his best friend, to tour Canada following their graduation instead of going directly into a post-secondary institution. This trip would not be a vacation, but rather an opportunity to see what life has to offer by meeting people from different parts of the country, while they work odd jobs along the way. This idea goes against the sensibilities of Howard's parents and Howard's girlfriend, Mary, who see this trip as just another impetuously stupid idea by flaky George. Howard has to try and reconcile all these competing forces in his life. —Huggo
Notes for a Film About Donna & GailNotes for a Film About Donna & Gail · 1966
Notes for a Film About Donna & Gail
★ 6.51966
MovieDrama
The story of two young women who go to the city to work in a dress factory, and who share a room to ease their expenses and their loneliness. The film shows the currents that brought them together and the facets of their natures that first made them seem compatible but eventually drove them apart. Their story reflects, to a degree, the situation of anyone who has ever shared the life of another.
Paddle to the SeaPaddle to the Sea · 1966
Paddle to the Sea
★ 7.01966
MovieDocumentary
A boy's carved boat travels through the Canadian wilderness until it reaches the ocean.
Buster Keaton Rides AgainBuster Keaton Rides Again · 1965
Buster Keaton Rides Again
★ 7.21965
MovieDocumentary
In the fall of 1964, just over a year before his death, Buster Keaton traveled to Canada to make The Railrodder, a short subject that now enjoys a small cult following. Documenting this mobile production in fascinating and unexpected detail, Buster Keaton Rides Again offers a rare glimpse of the comedy legend’s temperament, philosophies, hobbies, marriage (his third), and the occasionally combative creative process behind the scenes. An intimate look at one of cinema’s most enduring legends.
Georges-Étienne Cartier - The Lion of QuébecGeorges-Étienne Cartier - The Lion of Québec · 1962
Georges-Étienne Cartier - The Lion of Québec
★ 4.51962
MovieHistory
This short biopic profiles Montreal lawyer-turned-politician George-Étienne Cartier as he campaigns to unite English and French Canada under Confederation. The political world of a century ago comes to life as we hear debates in the Parliament of Upper and Lower Canada amidst political strife and personal feuds. Ultimately, Cartier skilfully allays the fears of party and sectional leaders, convincing them that federal union would protect, rather than weaken, Quebec’s cherished rights of language and religion. The eloquent and enigmatic Cartier was instrumental in shaping the Canada that was soon to emerge.
Fighter WingFighter Wing · 1956
Fighter Wing
★ 9.01956
MovieDocumentary
Fred Davis introduces us to Canadian Air Force operations in Zweibrucken, West Germany. Follow Green Section as they perform drills and explain what it takes to be a fighter pilot.

Filmography

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HowardHoward · 1957
Howard
★ 8.01957
MovieDrama
Howard Mitchell is a responsible young man who will soon be graduating from high school. He works at Resnick's Pharmacy to be able to earn enough money to put himself through college. But in part because of the life lessons he learns from Mr. Resnick through Mr. Resnick's somewhat cynical observations of the customers that come into the pharmacy, Howard is intrigued by an offer from George, his best friend, to tour Canada following their graduation instead of going directly into a post-secondary institution. This trip would not be a vacation, but rather an opportunity to see what life has to offer by meeting people from different parts of the country, while they work odd jobs along the way. This idea goes against the sensibilities of Howard's parents and Howard's girlfriend, Mary, who see this trip as just another impetuously stupid idea by flaky George. Howard has to try and reconcile all these competing forces in his life. —Huggo

Producer