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Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel
Conrad Black at U.C.C. in 1958 (age
14)
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Young Conrad learned to be a capitalist at
his father’s knee. George Montegu Black Jr. moulded
his son’s character, imbuing him with a love of history,
books and the almighty dollar. He grew up on a sprawling Toronto
estate, attended prestigious Upper Canada College, and was
driven to school by a chauffeur. Friends recall a lonely,
rebellious boy, caned so often at UCC that he was given the
school’s “zebra award”. His first business
venture would be a harbinger of things to come. Conrad broke
into the principal’s office, stole the exam papers and
offered them for sale. He was promptly expelled.
Drawing on revelations from Black’s autobiography, the
documentary explores the complex, contradictory nature of
the man so many love to hate. A predatory businessman, he
is also revealed to be a gifted historian and intellectual.
Peter C. Newman recalls how the bombastic and pompous Lord
Black suffered from years of anxiety attacks and underwent
psychoanalysis. Others debunk his reputation as a Citizen
Kane, pointing to his charm and erudition.
The cameras take viewers to New York and London, chronicling
his rise through the British establishment, his marriage to
the glamourous Barbara Amiel, the jet set lifestyle, and the
ultimate fall from grace. Like his hero Napoleon, Conrad Black
is now in retreat – assailed by lawsuits, his empire
crumbling, but still defiant.
Original Air Date - March 24, 2005
Links
Conrad
Black (CBC News: In-depth)
Black
Envy
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sites)
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