WOLF DOG (1958) - The Autograph Book
The filming of "A Boy And His Dog" (later on renamed "WOLF DOG") was a well-remembered and rather significant event in the lives of folks in Markdale.
The group of Canadian television personalities and Hollywood "B" movie stars probably weren't expecting to be asked for autographs, but a lucky few, like Barbara Hunt Arthur, got some.
I thank her for sharing her autograph book, which I learned about during the "Markdale In Motion" event I hosted at Annesley Church in September of 2024.
Barbara is daughter to Mrs. Freda Hunt, who told my public school class about Markdale's unique history of film. Of note, Barbara and Freda both appeared in the 1948 "Stars Of The Town", when Barbara was an infant. Freda was not only known as a fine teacher, she was a great historian. Her writeup about the "Boy And His Dog" event is viewable at the bottom of this web page.
In closing, I thank Barbara Hunt Arthur for her kindness and generosity, in buoying my ongoing research.
Making Movies In Markdale. (by Mrs. Freda Eagles Hunt)
It was an exciting time when Regal Films, a subsidiary of 20th Century Fox Ltd., arrived in Markdale in July of 1957. The movie company came to shoot street and store scenes for a black & white feature Cinemascope western picture titled, A Boy And His Dog." Many Markdale and district people thronged the streets to watch the actors and camera crew in action.
The leading lady in the film was Allison Hayes. The leading man was Missouri-born Jim Davis. More than half the cast and many of the technicians were Canadians. Another well-known actor was Austin Willis, who at the time was married to Kate Reid.
Little did we realize how famous some of these actors and actresses would become in later years. Faithful followers of the T.V. series "Dallas" may be surprised to learn that the very same Jim Davis later became father figure, "Jock" Ewing in the T.V. series, "Dallas." Kate Reid, who has appeared in that drama, later went on to become one of Canada's great and famous actresses.
Mrs. Loren Douglas was honoured to be chosen by Miss Hayes as her hairdresser for the duration of the movie. During the shooting of scenes for the movie, the directing of traffic on #10 Highway (Toronto Street) and also on Main Street, was ably handled by Constables Clarence Bowins and Jack Johnston.
Many local people took part as extras in the street scenes. When the movie finally came to Owen Sound, the town folk flocked to the theatre with the happy anticipation of seeing themselves, or their neighbours "in the movies."
- Freda Hunt
(transcribed for this fansite with thanks to Barbara Hunt Arthur for sharing her mother's write up).