On November 27, 2021, TVO released Magic Shadows, Elwy Yost: A Life in Movies – a documentary that spotlights beloved Canadian television host, Elwy Yost. As the host of TVO’s hit weekly series, Saturday Night at the Movies, for over two decades, Elwy presented a range of movies across all genres and conducted interviews with a number of individuals who helped create the films that were presented.
Saturday Night at the Movies began programming in 1974 and spanned to 2013, with Elwy as host from its air date to 1999. Additionally, Elwy hosted the TVO show, Magic Shadows, which aired from 1974 to 1988, where he discussed classic serialized films with interesting details about why they were worth watching.
Unfortunately, Elwy passed away in 2011, and many remember him for his passion for film and his monumental impact on Ontario television.
Magic Shadows, Elwy Yost: A Life in Movies is produced by Colette Johnson-Vosberg and Meredith Usher, and directed by our very own Broadcasting Professor, Karen Shopsowitz. “The producers were looking for a director through the documentary community, specifically for someone who loved movies and grew up in Toronto in the 1970s. In my response to them, I asked, ‘is this a documentary about Elwy Yost?’ They laughed- ‘Yes, indeed’,” Karen says.
Looking back at her time directing, Karen shares, “I think the best part of making this film, aside from hearing people reminisce about Elwy or talk about his influence, had to be being able to watch so many of Elwy’s old interviews. Deb Palloway, the editor, and I would joke about how we’d start to watch an interview looking for something specific, and then two hours later, we’d still be watching. Elwy was such a great interviewer, and the range of people he interviewed for his show was incredible, from famous actors to people behind the scenes. Also, for me, getting to see Elwy’s personality shine through in his interactions with people on set was heartwarming. He was just as he seemed in front of the camera and behind the camera.”
Within the documentary, those that knew Elwy well share stories about him and his impact, and there are glances at the well-remembered interviews he conducted. Those that watched Saturday Night at the Movies and Magic Shadows while on television, and those who look back at these shows even now, have the chance to reflect on Elwy’s contributions to the discussion of film and get a glance at his personal life.
“Elwy was unique. He was special. He was so important in terms of the influence he had on so many filmmakers, actors, directors, writers, and people who developed their love of movies because of the films he showed every Saturday night. There’s a scene in the film where he’s talking to a young boy at one of the TVO Open Houses, and recommending a film to him. I like to think that this same young man is still watching movies today and maybe even making movies,” Karen shares.
Meredith Usher, one of the producers on the documentary had a major impact on its creation, as Karen explains, “This film came about largely because of Meredith’s passion for Elwy, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a part of a film that pays tribute to one of Canada’s greatest interviewers and tv hosts. What’s been so interesting since the film was released is how many people absolutely loved Elwy and were so excited to go on this journey with us.”
Those interested in watching the documentary can do so through TVO’s YouTube channel or on the TVO website.
Written by: Alexandra Few