Queen of the Blades: The Life and Times of Barbara Ann Scott

She was Canada's "sweetheart of the ice" – the graceful, doll-like 19-year-old with a will of iron who, in one short year, claimed the title of every major international figure skating competition and the hearts of fans around the world.

Life and Times presents the biography of Canada's skating ambassador for half a century. Featuring contemporary skating stars such as Kurt Browning, Brian Orser, Toller Cranston and Liz Manley, Scott’s story reveals why one of Canada's earliest “superstars” has remained such a compelling figure in our country's history.

Barbara Ann Scott
Barbara Ann Scott

Scott was a prodigy from the beginning. The documentary features rare archival footage of the skater, ranging from her skating at age 11 in Ottawa to exclusive never-before-seen footage of Scott’s dazzling outdoor performance at the 1948 Olympics.

Frank and ironic, Queen of the Blades charts Scott's career from celebrity to commodity. At the height of her fame, the skater's endorsement appeared on everything from soft drinks to sweaters – including a prized collector's item, the Barbara Ann Scott doll.

In 1959 the skater left the spotlight to pursue a career as the perfect ‘50s housewife. She speaks candidly about yearning for “the white picket fence,” something she never had as a child. Instead she focussed on riding horses competitively, another sport at which she excelled. Once again, her favourite sport is back in her life as she judges competitive skating.

Original Air Date - March 12, 1997

Links

Barbara Ann Scott: Celebrating Women's Achievements

(Note: CBC does not endorse the content of external sites)


CBC-TV AND CBC NEWSWORLD DOCS | CBC-TV MAIN All external sites will open in a new browser

Jobs | Contact Us | Permissions | Help | RSS
Terms of Use | Privacy | Ombudsman | Other Policies
Copyright © CBC 2006