The Valour and the Horror Revisited Horror Book Review

In January 1992 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ( cbs ) broadcast “The valour and the horror”, a three-part television series on Canada’s role in World War II. It sparked a major controversy among viewers, war veterans, and historians. Brian and Terence McKenna of Galafilm, the authors-producers of the series, were accused of distorting historical facts, maligning individuals such as commanders Arthur Harris and Guy Simonds, presenting a biased account of events, and overstepping the line between journalism and drama. “The valour and the horror revisited” brings together source documents, original essays, and commentaries to provide an analysis of the specific accusations and of larger questions concerning responsible journalism. Included in the collection are reports by David Bercuson and S. F.  Wise, who were asked to assess the series; the cbc ombudsman’s report; the McKennas’ response to the ombudsman’s report; the ombudsman’s commentary on the McKennas’ response; and three new essays by historians John Ferris, William McAndrew, and Scot Robertson on the incidents covered in the series—Canadian involvement in the battles in Hong Kong and Normandy, and the bombing of Germany. “The valour and the horror revisited” addresses such important issues as the dangers of “docudrama”, and the nature of history, and has recently been shown on Channel 4. David J. Bercuson is Professor of History and Dean of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary. S. F. Wise is Professor of History and former Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Carleton University.