Shortly after Stompin' Tom passed in March 2013 this iconic film really deserves to have its own webpage as Tom proudly sings songs about Canada live on stage in Toronto. Stompin' Tom also had five other special guest Canadian entertainers in the spotlight on this legendary stage. I hope you enjoy this fan tribute website that has been put together with the help other fans input. Feel free to leave a message in the CONTACT tab above, also share this website to any other Stompin' Tom fans you may know and thanks for visiting!!
Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors (1973)
Canada 90 min, Colour
Director: John C.W. Saxton
Cast: Stompin' Tom Connors, Kent Brockwell, Sharon Lowness, Chris Scott, Bobby Lalonde, Joey Tardif, Bill Lewis, Gary Empey
Filming Dates:14 May 1973 - 28 May 1973
Release Date: November 2,1973
Known as "Canada's King of Country Music" on this infamous Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors movie poster, this 1973 documentary captured Stompin' Tom at his peak, playing live over several nights at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern on Queen Street in Toronto, Ontario Canada and the film has been ‘out of print’ and not screened in cinemas for many years. Interspersed with images of Canadian icons portrayed in his songs, Tom plays dozens of his classics, including: Fire in the Mine, The Ketchup Song, Bud the Spud, Big Joe Mufferaw, Sudbury Saturday Night, The Hockey Song and Moon Man Newfie.
Stompin' Tom did not really care for this film back then, he much more preferred the first live recording "Live at The Horseshoe" seen at bottom of page. Be sure to push play on the track "Horseshoe Hotel Song". This album was Tom’s first live album from 1971, and a true testimony to his abilities as a live performer. It was performed at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto; the mecca for live country music in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
There must be more lost video footage in a vault somewhere as the Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors Soundtrack LP has songs that were never in the film such as "Take Me Back To Old Alberta" preforming his best yodeling. Go to the SOUNDTRACK tab above to give it a listen.
When meeting Stompin' Tom after a concert Tom has mentioned lots of legal "Mumbo Jumbo" when asked about releasing this lost film. It sounds like a long unknown story, however give chapter 25 a read "From the Horseshoe to the Movies" from Tom's second book "The Connors Tone".
As for the Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors film rights to this it still remains a mystery today. Cinepix is long gone, many years ago it was aired late night on City TV several times through the year. In 2003 TV channels "Drive in Classics" and "IFC" have aired it. The story goes that Lion's Gate loaned to these stations for viewing. Maple Pictures bought Lion's Gate, I don't even think Maple Pictures owns this film now, it has changed hands several times over the years. I have heard CBC possibly as well but it still remains a mystery as who is the current owner of the film rights to this rare concert film that deserves a re-master and retail release! An 18 page petition is not enough fans ? The petition website was abandoned and before that i managed to capture the pages before it went down.
In 2011, this note and 18+ pages but never got a response
To: Maple Pictures (formally Lion's Gate Films)
We believe that "Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors" is a classic and historic piece of cinema. We only want what we deserve. Please consider the fact that some illegal bootlegs of the film have been for sale online or can be downloaded in some digital format, and that the refusal to release this film on BLU-RAY/DVD is causing you to lose money. Fans of "Across This Land" do not want to spend their money on pirate DVDs, The fans deserve better. Give us the BLU-RAY/DVD release that we deserve.
We are true dedicated fan's that is passing on the 18+ pages that signed this petition so far since 2004. Unsure of who run's this petition website just passing the info on to you, Maple Pictures.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
This was taken from the "We want Stompin' Tom" Petition webpage
http://www20.brinkster.com/jimmer/view.asp it no longer works unfortunately
Have you ever seen or heard of the film "Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors"? This film, in its entirety, consists of rare concert footage of Stompin' Tom Connors at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto ON, Canada inter-mixed with video footage of his song-inspiring travels. Would you ever consider buying or renting a copy of this "lost masterpiece" from your local video store? Ah, there is the problem...
The film is currently sitting on a shelf at the office of Lions Gate Films in Toronto. When Lions Gate was contacted about distributing the movie, we were informed that there is not enough interest (meaning money to be made) for them to digitize (transfer to film to DVD), package and market the movie.
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, SAY HE IS WRONG !!
We don't want money, we don't want a credit card, we don't even want your address, phone number or email. All we are asking is for you to leave your name and where you are as someone who is interested in seeing this rare footage of a Canadian icon made available to his fans. This information will NOT be used for any other purpose than to show Lions Gate Films that there IS enough interest in this movie to get it released. In other words, " We Want Stompin' Tom! "
If you do not feel comfortable leaving your name and location with us to pass along, read the bottom of this page to learn other ways that you can help to get this film released.
Name: __________________
City:_________________ Prov./State: Country:___________________
Other ways that you can help instead of/as well as leaving your name here:
◾ Write or call Lions Gate Films and let them know that " WE WANT STOMPIN TOM! "
They can be reached at:
Maple Pictures (Lions Gate Films)
2 Bloor Street West Suite #800
Toronto ON, Canada M4W3E2
(416) 944-0104
◾ Visit Stompin' Tom's official website at http://www.stompintom.com/ and submit your request there.
May 2020: Please visit the online petition page red banner found on the HOME page.
April 2021: A FREE screening surfaced for one day only! Grab your best stompin' boots and join us for a #CanFilmDay free screening of Across This Land with Stompin’ Tom Connors (1973) on April 21st at 12:30 pm. A Q&A w/ Jacques Jean, the film’s editor, & Greg Dunning, son of the film’s producer, John Dunning will follow.
