Movies by Bill Mason

Wolf Pack

Wolf Pack

This nature film closely observes wolves through late winter into early spring. Wolf Pack shows this creature’s character, behaviour and life cycle. What emerges is a portrait of the wolf as a disciplined hunter, respected leader and committed parent.

Air Parade

Air Parade

A brief history of British aviation and the development of both civil and military aircraft. Made for the Festival of Britain.

The Land That Devours Ships

The Land That Devours Ships

For almost a century and a half, Her Majesty's Ship Breadalbane lay wrecked and forgotten under the Arctic ice. In the spring of 1983, noted undersea explorer Dr. Joseph MacInnis led a team of twenty men on one of the most difficult, dangerous and unforgettable undersea adventures of the century--to put a diver on board the sunken vessel and recover some artifacts. This film, introduced by H.R.H. Prince Charles, provides a stunning visual account of this historic expedition.

Death of a Legend

Death of a Legend

This documentary film is about wolves and the negative myths surrounding the animal. Exceptional footage portrays the wolf's life cycle and the social organization of the pack, as well as film of caribou, moose, deer and buffalo.

Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park

This short documentary by Bill Mason explores Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior, providing a background of the park's geological past and plant life. The film also shows scenes of hiking, canoeing and camping. The result is to put us back in touch with the natural elements that our ancestors both fought and enjoyed.

Cry of the Wild

Cry of the Wild

This feature-length documentary from Bill Mason imparts his affection for the big northern timber wolves and the pure-white Arctic wolves. Filmed over three years in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, the High Arctic and his home near the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, Mason sets out to dispel the myth of the bloodthirsty wolf. Going beyond the wolf's natural habitat, Mason relocated three young wolves to his own property and was able to film tribal customs, mating and birth. As a result, Cry of the Wild offers viewers access to moments...

Blake

Blake

An eccentric history buff lives in a cabin in the woods but spends most of his time flying his biplane.

Face of the Earth

Face of the Earth

Face of the Earth explores the origin of our planet's outer layer, the why-and-how of its mobility. Through the use of well-designed diagrams, the earth's cyclical activity is clearly explained. Some unusual footage on volcanoes gives added punch to an already absorbing subject.

Freight and a City

Freight and a City

The City of Sheffield is renewing itself, but until recently Sheffield's railway network exemplified the confusion and inefficiency created by competitive railway expansion in Victorian times. Now British Railways has swept away the small depots and the conflicting lines, and has centralised its goods operations in a new Freight Terminal, a Diesel Maintenance Depot, and one of the most modern Marshalling Yards in Europe, thus providing freight services fit for Sheffield's needs.

In Search of the Bowhead Whale

In Search of the Bowhead Whale

This adventure film features Scott McVay, an authority on whales, and filmmaker Bill Mason. The objective was to film the bowhead, a magnificent inhabitant of the cold Arctic seas brought to the edge of extinction by overfishing. With helicopter and Inuit guide, aqualungs and underwater cameras, the expedition searches out and meets the bowhead and beluga.

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Whitewater

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason shows how to read the rapids and plan a course and follow it, with complete control of the boat, using the basic paddling strokes. Running rapids will always be a calculated risk, but risk diminishes with skill and knowledge. The strokes can be used in endless combination to reduce the risks of whitewater canoeing and increase the sheer joy and exuberance. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Whitewater', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Path of the Paddle: Solo Whitewater

Path of the Paddle: Solo Whitewater

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason explains clearly how to locate a deep water channel by reading the rapids and how to apply paddling strokes and manoeuvres to steer the canoe where you want it to go. It also depicts what happens if you "wipe out" in a turbulent rapid and shows you how to survive the swim. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Whitewater', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Basic

Path of the Paddle: Doubles Basic

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason demonstrates the basic doubles paddling strokes and how to apply them in various combinations. The application of each stroke in rapids is shown briefly and the emphasis is always on working as a well-coordinated team. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Quiet Water', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Path of the Paddle: Solo Basic

Path of the Paddle: Solo Basic

This short film from canoeist Bill Mason illustrates the joy and poetry of paddling solo. All the basic strokes used to control the canoe are rendered with perfect clarity through animated lines. Part of 'Path of the Paddle: Quiet Water', in Bill Mason's Path of the Paddle Series.

Mille Miglia

Mille Miglia

A BAFTA award nominated documentary following the famous Italian motor race from April 26th, 1953.