THE STORY

As Britain's North American colony grows in wealth and population, so does the desire for self-government. By 1830, demands for freedom and democracy reach a fever pitch with three charismatic reformers leading the charge. Through their newspapers, Joseph Howe in Nova Scotia, Louis-Joseph Papineau in Lower Canada and William Lyon Mackenzie in Upper Canada openly mock the privileged and become magnets for all those dissatisfied with the colonial regime. The rising discontent leads to bloody rebellion and disastrous defeat for the rebels. In Lower Canada, Les Patriotes take up arms and win a surprise victory at Saint-Denis but the tide turns at St. Charles where hundreds perish in a horrific bloodbath. In Upper Canada, the rebellion fizzles out within a week. In the aftermath, dozens are executed, including second-in-command - blacksmith Samuel Lount. Others, such as Scottish firebrand William Lyon Mackenzie, escape to the United States.

THE CHARACTER

William Lyon Mackenzie was a Scottish newspaper editor who fought for the right of the commoners. The ruling class of Upper Canada hated him. A great orator who could spark a crowd to action. He was a firebrand. He was the first mayor of Toronto, a member of the legislature and finally leader of the disastrous rebellion of Upper Canada in 1837. He was a man of words and action but unfortunately he was unfit to lead men in battle. Their rebellion was extinguished almost before it had begun. A man of small stature but great spirit who is in part responsible for the government we have today. It was his dream that the representatives of the people, chosen by the people, should rule the country. A man ahead of his times who paid dearly for his views and actions with his exile to the United States. Though it could have very well cost him his life.

COMMENTS

" I am very proud to have worked on this wonderful series. To be given the opportunity to incarnate a great historical figure that played an important role in building this nation was a great responsibility that I accepted with delight... "

Comments continued - REAL AUDIO CLIP