Fields of Sacrifice
Encyclopedia
Fields of Sacrifice is a 1964 documentary by Donald Brittain
about Canadian war dead. The film visits former battlefields
where over 100,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives in World War I
and World War II
and examines Canadian military cemeteries and memorials from Hong Kong to Sicily.
(NFB) for the Canadian Department of Veteran Affairs
. The film was originally intended to be a straightforward look at Canadian military cemeteries. Brittain, a staff filmmaker who had just completed the 13-part Canada at War
series, decided on different approach. He combined stock footage
with glimpses of the former battlegrounds a generation later and added his own commentary. Brittain shows that while these former battlefields are now peaceful and people are getting on with their lives, the sacrifices of Canadians are not forgotten. The film was narrated by Douglas Rain
and shot in 35 mm.
in October of 1963, attended by Governor General of Canada
Georges Vanier
. It would enjoy a two-year theatrical run, often shown as part of a double bill with the NFB's 70-minute drama Drylanders
. It was broadcast on CBC-TV in 1965 on Remembrance Day
.
Donald Brittain
Donald Brittain, O.C. was a film director and producer with the National Film Board of Canada.Fields of Sacrifice is considered Brittain's first major film as director....
about Canadian war dead. The film visits former battlefields
Battlefields
Battlefields is a settlement in Mashonaland West province in Zimbabwe....
where over 100,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and examines Canadian military cemeteries and memorials from Hong Kong to Sicily.
Production
Fields of Sacrifice was produced by the National Film Board of CanadaNational Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board of Canada is Canada's twelve-time Academy Award-winning public film producer and distributor. An agency of the Government of Canada, the NFB produces and distributes documentary, animation, alternative drama and digital media productions...
(NFB) for the Canadian Department of Veteran Affairs
Veterans Affairs Canada
The Department of Veterans Affairs , also referred to as Veterans Affairs Canada , is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for pensions/benefits and services for war veterans, retired personnel of the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families,...
. The film was originally intended to be a straightforward look at Canadian military cemeteries. Brittain, a staff filmmaker who had just completed the 13-part Canada at War
Canada at War
Canada at War is a Canadian World War II documentary television series which aired on CBC Television in 1962.-Premise:Production of this National Film Board of Canada documentary series began in 1958, using numerous film sources such as British films available in Canada, captured German footage,...
series, decided on different approach. He combined stock footage
Stock footage
Stock footage, and similarly, archive footage, library pictures and file footage are film or video footage that may or may not be custom shot for use in a specific film or television program. Stock footage is of beneficial use to filmmakers as it is sometimes less expensive than shooting new...
with glimpses of the former battlegrounds a generation later and added his own commentary. Brittain shows that while these former battlefields are now peaceful and people are getting on with their lives, the sacrifices of Canadians are not forgotten. The film was narrated by Douglas Rain
Douglas Rain
Douglas Rain is a Canadian actor and narrator. He is primarily a stage actor, but his best known film role was as the voice of the HAL 9000 computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey and its sequel 2010 ....
and shot in 35 mm.
Theatrical release
Fields of Sacrifice premiered in OttawaOttawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
in October of 1963, attended by Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
Georges Vanier
Georges Vanier
Major-General Georges-Philéas Vanier was a Canadian soldier and diplomat who served as Governor General of Canada, the 19th since Canadian Confederation....
. It would enjoy a two-year theatrical run, often shown as part of a double bill with the NFB's 70-minute drama Drylanders
Drylanders
Drylanders is a 1963 Canadian film directed by Don Haldane from a screenplay by M. Charles Cohen. It was the National Film Board of Canada’s first English-language feature film.-Synopsis:...
. It was broadcast on CBC-TV in 1965 on Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...
.