The Arrow

The Arrow is a Canadian made-for-television film directed by Don McBrearty and stars Dan Aykroyd, Sara Botsford, and Ron White. The film, first aired in 1997, is built upon a true story about the development and demise of the Avro Arrow, an advanced Canadian jet interceptor created during the 1950s.

In The Arrow, Dan Aykroyd plays the role of Crawford Gordon, the president of A.V. Roe Canada during the period in history when the Arrow was built. Aykroyd's role depicts Gordon as an ambitious and passionate leader who believed vigorously in the potential of the Arrow to change the aviation industry. Gordon stands as a symbol of hope, ambition, and Canadian pride, struggling to negotiate political and economic obstacles in his path.

In contrast, Gordon’s secretary, played by Botsford, provides viewers with an everyday perspective on the unfolding of these historic events. Her character introduces an assembly of workplace dynamics and a dash of gender politics into what could have easily become a dry, detail-heavy historical drama. She becomes the witness, a mirror held to the unfolding saga, reminding us of its relevance and impact on ordinary lives.

In the role of test pilot Jack Woodman, Ron White brings the technical aspects of the storyline to life. His character displays the bravery inherent in those who test unproven aircraft. Woodman makes these high-speed, high-risk trials appear almost routine, providing a unique perspective on the occupation's inherent danger and appeal.

Set during the Cold War, The Arrow touches upon numerous social, political, and economic issues of the time. Predicaments such as insecurity over national sovereignty, the fear of Soviet military dominance, and the challenge of economic recession become focal points in the narrative. These factors weave together to create an interconnected web that ultimately culminated in the Arrow's controversial cancellation.

Above all, the film articulates a story of extraordinary national aspiration clashing with the harsh realities of political calculus. It is also a tale of technological progress and intertwined with moments of personal and corporate drama.

The film goes into great detail to explore elements of technology. For aviation enthusiasts, these portions of the film could be particularly riveting. The scenes focusing on the Arrow's design, development, and testing highlight the aircraft's advanced capabilities, underlining the decades ahead technology embodied by this jet interceptor.

The Arrow further explores the affinity that the Canadian public and the workforce at A. V. Roe had for the Arrow project. The film also goes some way to elucidate why the Arrow has taken on such legendary status in Canadian history. The impact of the Arrow's termination, with the resulting job losses and political fallouts, also take center stage in exploring the wide-ranging effects the decision had on Canadian society.

The Arrow offers a surprisingly empathetic portrayal of Canadian politicians. It provides some perspective on their difficult task of managing finances and their evaluation of strategic national defense while realizing international commitments, all during the most insecure time in the Cold War era.

The story of The Arrow is rife with passion, drama, and conflict. Perhaps the more emotional moments come with the ending sequences, which present the heart-breaking sight of the Arrows being destroyed, reflecting the shattering of hopes and dreams of the team. The film doesn't shy away from these tragic moments, allowing audiences to appreciate the full gravity of the Arrow's cancellation.

On the technical side, The Arrow gains its authenticity from the careful use of archival footage and miniatures, combined with realistic recreations of period settings and lingo. The production immerses viewers in the post-war era, mirroring the tensions and anxieties of a time when the world was on the brink of nuclear destruction.

The Arrow is an accomplished drama-documentary masterpiece that brings one of Canada's most poignant chapters to life. The film delves into the story with meticulous detail, masterfully intertwining interpersonal dynamics with high-level political maneuvering. The key performances are strong and breathe life into real-life characters from the annals of history. The movie as a whole stands out for its evocative portrayal of ambition, political realities, and the stark cost of monumental decisions on individuals and society.