ST. CATHARINES – Who won the War of 1812? It depends on who you ask. But this weekend, Niagara residents will get a rare chance to preview an acclaimed new PBS documentary that takes aim at one of the most important — and, some say, misunderstood — chapters of North American history. While most of the continent will wait until PBS airs the show on Oct. 10 (Canadian Thanksgiving), a few select audiences get a sneak preview of this examination of the conflict that set the stage for what would become the world’s longest undefended border. The screening at Brock University’s David S. Howes Theatre this Sunday at 2 p.m. is one of just four advance showings, the others taking place in Washington DC, Baltimore and Ottawa. Narrated by actor Joe Mantegna, the two-hour film The War of 1812 combines the visuals of dramatic re-enactments and vivid animation to take some fresh and sometimes surprising looks at the border conflict. The documentary’s producers offer intriguing hints of ironies that may be unfamiliar to history buffs. |
“For two and a half years, Americans fought against the British, Canadian colonists and native nations. Some of the War of 1812’s battles and heroes became legendary, yet its blunders and cowards were just as prominent. This film shows how the glories of war become enshrined in history, how failures are quickly forgotten and how inconvenient truths are ignored forever.”
The Brock screening is open to the public. Tickets cost $10 and are available through the Centre for the Arts’ Box Office in person or by calling 905-688-5550, ext. 3257. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.discover1812.com for pickup at the box office on the day of the event. The screening will be followed by a wine tasting of Palatine Hills Estate’s new 1812 vintages. The Niagara event is being organized by The 1812 Legacy Council, an area group that is organizing a number of events in the lead-up to 2012 and the war’s 200th anniversary. The film is a production of WNED Buffalo/Toronto and Florentine Films/Hott Productions Inc., in association with WETA Washington, DC. For more information on the film visit http://www.pbs.org/wned/war-of-1812 |
