2010-06-28

Houde Unique

I caught the tale end of His Worship, Mr. Montreal this morning. I regret missing most of it. It was a short film about the most colorful mayor this city ever saw in Camilien Houde. In fact, the "golden age" of Montreal was under Houde's and Jean Drapeau's command.

I read about Houde in a history of Montreal class and the awesome book City Unique. In doing work for Casa d'Italia, I also came across many pictures of Houde in their archives who was a huge friend to the Italian community donating the land to which currently sits la Casa. He was indeed a larger than life character. Only Brother Andre was possibly more loved..

This is a decent enough piece discussing both Houde and Drapeau.

The following still makes me chuckle:

"The excellent 1976 NFB doc His Worship, Mr. Montreal recounts the time Houde was riding in a convertible downtown with then-Princess Elizabeth. As the throngs cheered, Houde turned to her and said, "Some of that [applause] is for you!"

They don't make 'em like him anymore that's for sure.

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