The Canadian Bioscope Company was a film company formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 4, 1912, and dissolved on February 10, 1915. Founded by British-born Captain H.H.B. Holland, Canadian Bioscope established offices in Halifax and New York City. Canadian Bioscope's Halifax office and studios were located at 108 Pleasant St. (now Barrington St.), at the south end, property now occupied by the "Foundry" building.[1] A pioneer in the Canadian film industry (it was only the second such company established in Canada), this Maritime-based firm, employing both Nova Scotians and Americans, sought to develop an international distribution network from the outset, in order to ensure economic longevity and provide Nova Scotian films to the world.[2]
This venture combined American and local investment and talent to make Canada's first feature-length dramatic film, Evangeline, released in February 1914. The Canadian Bioscope Company boasted that using actual locations where the events of Longfellow's poem had occurred lent the film great authenticity. The film was both a commercial and artistic success. Actual viewings of and critical response to the film have been traced from New York City to Regina until May 1914. Their success, however, allowed the company to make three more dramatic short films and three comedies.
"Canadian Bioscope: A Halifax Enterprise in Moving Picture Films," Financial Post, Jan.17, 1914, p. 3
The company and all of its assets disappeared as World War I began.[4]
The company also made films of the commemorations of Historical plaques by the Nova Scotia Historical Society that were shown throughout Canada and the British Isles.[5]
