AllMovie

This biographical semi-documentary casts a slight shadow of human vulnerability and a little doubt over the legendary Canadian national hero and World War I pilot William (Billy) Bishop. Director and writer Paul Cowan started out by wanting to turn the musical "Billy Bishop Goes to War" into a screenplay -- and then after a little research, changed his mind and produced this documentary instead. Interviews with people who knew Bishop are mixed with segments from the stage play about him and a summary of his life. Actor Eric Peterson plays Bishop's mechanic, giving his own impressions of the man. Taken all together, director Cowan raises some questions without toppling the legends. Canadians are more likely to sustain an interest in these proceedings rather than foreigners unfamiliar with Bishop.