B: October 28, 1913 in Walhachin, British Columbia
D: July 11, 2004 in Cobourg, Ontario
Sir Arthur Ralph Talbot Chetwynd became interested in film while teaching at the University of Toronto after World War Two. He taught physical and health education and was asked by the university to make some coaching films for their football team. This led to directing similar films for the Canadian Football League and later producing highlight films from the annual Grey Cup. Many of his early independent films were sports oriented. He also produced and directed so-called “sponsored films” usually known today as corporate video. He especially liked medical films. It is estimated he produced more than 3000 films through Chetwynd Films, which he started along with his wife, Marjory, in 1950. How he became “Sir” Arthur is a bit of a story. He inherited his title following the death of an uncle in 1972. The baronetcy dates back to 1795. When he retired from filmmaking he turned Chetwynd Films over to his son, Robin, and became interested in many volunteer projects including helping to raise money to restore Canterbury Cathedral in England. He settled in Cobourg, Ontario, birthplace of Marie Dressler. Sir Arthur Chetwynd died of kidney failure. He is the only entry in Northern Stars where we have some biographcal information, but no list of credits. |
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