The Great Debate's primary photo

The National Dream: Building the Impossible Railway

The Great Debate (Season 1, Episode 4)
TV Episode | 56 min | Documentary, Drama, History
Sir John A. Macdonald, now back in power, reluctantly agrees to name Donald Smith, Jim Hall and George Stephen as heads of the syndicate that will build the railway. Though capable, resourceful capitalists, they are tainted by U.S. railway...See moreSir John A. Macdonald, now back in power, reluctantly agrees to name Donald Smith, Jim Hall and George Stephen as heads of the syndicate that will build the railway. Though capable, resourceful capitalists, they are tainted by U.S. railway connections. After an exhausting marathon debate, the House passes the government's railway bill. See less
Read more: Plot summary
Directors
James Murray | Eric Till
Writers
Pierre Berton (books "The National Dream" and "The Last Spike") | William Whitehead | Timothy Findley
Producer
James Murray
Composer
Louis Applebaum
Cinematographer
Harry Makin
Editor
Arla Saare
See all filmmakers & crew (33)
Status
Edit Released
Updated Mar 24, 1974
Release date
Mar 24, 1974 (Canada)

Contacts

+ Add

Become a member to see contact information for The Great Debate.

Cast

 + Add Cast
9 cast members
Name Known for
Pierre Berton's primary photo
Pierre Berton
Self / Host Self / Host   See fewer
Klondike (1960)
William Hutt's primary photo
William Hutt
John A. Macdonald John A. Macdonald   See fewer
Great Performances (1971)
Chris Wiggins's primary photo
Chris Wiggins
Donald Smith Donald Smith   See fewer
The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar (1969)
Joseph Shaw's primary photo
Joseph Shaw
George Stephen George Stephen   See fewer
The Brood (1979)
Ted Follows's primary photo
Ted Follows
Charles Tupper Charles Tupper   See fewer
Encounter (1952)
Pat Galloway's primary photo
Pat Galloway
Agnes Macdonald Agnes Macdonald   See fewer
Hey Cinderella! (1969)
Gerard Parkes's primary photo
Gerard Parkes
Edward Blake Edward Blake   See fewer
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Vernon Chapman's primary photo
Vernon Chapman
Richard Cartwright Richard Cartwright   See fewer
Billy Madison (1995)
Gillie Fenwick's primary photo
Gillie Fenwick
Alexander Mackenzie Alexander Mackenzie   See fewer
Festival (1960)
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.

MOVIEmeter

Members only

Become a member to access additional data

Ratings Breakdown

+ Add external reviews