Dawson City: Frozen Time
Director: Bill Morrison
Actors: Michael Gates, Kathy Jones-Gates, Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle
PlotIn the remote Canadian town of Dawson City, a remarkable discovery unfolds when a cache of silent film reels from the early 20th century is unearthed from beneath a former ice rink. These long-lost films, thought to be lost forever, are revealed to contain rare footage documenting the early days of Dawson City during the Klondike Gold Rush. The narrative weaves together fragments from these silent films with archival photographs and interviews, illustrating the town’s transformation from a booming gold rush settlement to a sleepy outpost, capturing the boom-and-bust cycles that defined its history.
The unearthed films not only provide a glimpse into the town’s vibrant past but also highlight the broader story of cinema history and the perils many early films faced. As the trove of decaying nitrate film reels is meticulously restored, the documentary pieces together both cinematic and regional history, shedding light on forgotten stories and bygone eras. Without delving into fiction, the documentary serves as a visual and auditory journey through time, exploring the unlikely intersection where Hollywood's early films meet the rugged life of Northern Canada’s pioneers. Through carefully curated footage and interviews, the film presents an evocative narrative that captures the transient glory days of Dawson City and the enduring tale of human ambition and resilience.
Writers: Bill Morrison
Release Date: 20 Mar 2017
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: N/A
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Dawson City: Frozen Time is an essential, artistically crafted documentary capturing the historical significance and intricate restoration of lost film treasures.
Read our review of Dawson City: Frozen Time Blu-ray to find out more