City of Gold
1957
21 min
Coming soon
This classic short film from Pierre Berton depicts the Klondike gold rush at its peak, when would-be prospectors struggled through harsh conditions to reach the fabled gold fields over 3000 km north of civilization. Using a collection of still photographs, the film juxtaposes the Dawson City at the height of the gold rush with its bustling taverns and dance halls with the more tranquil Dawson City of the present.
Details
This classic short film from Pierre Berton depicts the Klondike gold rush at its peak, when would-be prospectors struggled through harsh conditions to reach the fabled gold fields over 3000 km north of civilization. Using a collection of still photographs, the film juxtaposes the Dawson City at the height of the gold rush with its bustling taverns and dance halls with the more tranquil Dawson City of the present.
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directionColin LowWolf Koenig
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photographyColin LowWolf Koenig
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scriptRoman Kroitor
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musicEldon Rathburn
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commentaryPierre Berton
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animation cameraDouglas Roberts
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sound recordingGeorge Croll
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producerTom Daly
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editingTom Daly
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narratorPierre Berton
Education
Ages 12 to 17
Geography - Natural Resources
History - Canada 1867-1914
History and Citizenship Education - Canadian Federation (1850-1929)
History and Citizenship Education - Economy and Development (1500-present)
Brainstorm: What do students know of the search for gold in Canada’s north? Research the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Discuss those images from the film that you found most fascinating. Comment, in detail, on life in Dawson City at the height of the gold rush. Burton says that many of the American men who came to Dawson City didn’t bother to look for gold; they had found what they were looking for. What do you think he means?
