In this segment of the CBC WEDNESDAY NIGHT series: A PERSONAL PROFILE OF JOHN W. DAFOE, a documentary about the life, personality, and career of John Wesley Dafoe, Editor-in-Chief, of the Winnipeg Free Press from 1901 until his death in 1944. The program is narrated by George V. Ferguson, Editor-in-Chief of the Montreal Star, former executive editor of Winnipeg Free Press and for years, chief editorial assistant to Dafoe. It includes reminiscences of Dafoe by a number of his friends, opponents, fellow workers and associates who recall his appearance, and personality, his methods as working editor and talk about his political views and his relations with Prime Ministers Laurier, Borden, King and Bennett. Senator T.A. Crerar, once leader of the Progressive Party recalls Dafoe's appearance, his shaggy hair and his dress. Bruce Hutchison, former associate editor of the Free Press, discussing his physique and his carelessness about his dress, and recalls his first impressions when he first saw him. James Gray of Calgary, former editorial writer talks about Dafoe's characteristics which he says, remind him of Stephen Leacock. Victor Sifton, son of Sir Clifford and present owner and publisher of the Free Press, recalls Dafoe's physique, his strength and stability which make him look like a musk ox. John Bird of Ottawa, former editor of the Winnipeg Tribune (competitor of the Free Press), reminisces about his appearance. John Dafoe, one of his grandchildren, talks of his grandfather's love for his family. Frank Underhill, for many years professor of History at the University of Toronto, talks about Dafoe's friendliness; his fondness of telling stories and yarns and his love of arguing John A. Stevenson, Ottawa Journalist, recalls the splendid hours of yarning with Dafoe, and command of the English language, and discusses his fiery temper. Grant Dexter, editor emeritus, and for years Dafoe's Ottawa editor, recalls one occasion when Dafoe was in blind rage. Eugene Forsey, then a teacher at McGill University, recalls and describes the bitter controversy with Dafoe in the early 40's over Forsey's book on royal prerogative and recalls Dafoe from the standpoint of an 'uncompromising foe'. John Stevenson talks about the other side of Dafoe, his tender and gentle attitude, and his attempt to write poetry. Frank Underhill, recalls the sentimental poetry written by Dafoe who was not a poet. Grant Dexter recalls Dafoe's visit to his hometown, Combermere in 1939, where he showed Dexter around. He talks of Dafoe as a man who never was, till the end of his days, what is known a "a man of the world". John Stevenson recalls how Dafoe inherited the library of an Irish schoolmaster, in the vicinity, who died when Dafoe was only 17 and was chosen to succeed him. He says, through reading the books he inherited, he gradually became a Liberal and turned into a journalist. Senator T.A. Crerar talks about Dafoe as a laborious writer, and discusses his working habits. James Gray recalls how he decided to join the Free Press on his first meeting with Dafoe, and discusses the loyalty of his staff to him. Miss Kenneth Haig, his only women editorial writer, tells of the pleasant personal relationship in working for him. Victor Sifton discusses Dafoe's relations with the owner and publisher of the paper. He says Dafoe was not always prepared to accept Clifford Sifton's policies, especially Sifton's policy against Laurier's reciprocity in 1911. Grant Dexter discusses Dafoe, the editor at work, and provides an insight into his method, his technique, and the way he practised his craft. Kenneth Haig describes Dafoe's influence about the rule of the Free Press and how he exercised this influence through his relation with the politicians themselves. Eugene Forsey recalls Dafoe's views of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett's unpopularity in the West, and Bennett's view of Dafoe. Senator John T. Haig of Winnipeg gives his views of Dafoe as a 'free trader'. Grant Dexter recalls Dafoe's early estimate and sums up his view of Prime Minister Mackenzie King in 1919. Victor Sifton, recalls King's offer of a Cabinet position to Dafoe, in 1935, and later as an Ambassador to Washington. Dafoe refused both offers as he had no desire for public office at all. Grant Dexter describes the curious way in which Dafoe and King communicated on matters of Party strategy. John Stevenson tells about Dafoe's influence on Sir Robert Borden whom he greatly admired. John Bird offers his opinion on Dafoe's role in the growth and development of the British Commonwealth. Frank Underhill discusses Dafoe's influence outside the political ring, and how he moved the thinking of people, particularly the young people, and gives, as an example of his influence, his own case which is typical of many others. He recalls his first meeting with Dafoe, after reading one of his editorials in September 1914, about Canadian nationalism which Underhill believed in. <21mn>
