PAUL GROSS' AUTOBIOGRAPHY An army brat, Paul was born in Calgary, Alberta in Canada. He was educated in England, Germany, Washington and Canada before earning a drama degree at the University of Alberta. Following university, he performed in Canadian regional theatres and began a writing career. His 1st play, The Deer and the Antelope Play won the Clifford E. Lee Playwriting Award and the Alberta Playwriting Award. Shown at the Toronto Free Theatre, his second play, The Dead of Winter was a huge success. Paul then went on to hold the position of playwright-in-residence at both the Stratford Festival and at the Grand Theatre Company. For television, he has written In This Corner, an episode of CBSs For The Record Series which dealt with terrorism and its innocent victims and was nominated for Best TV Drama at the 1986 Gemini Awards. He also wrote the widely acclaimed drama Gross Misconduct, concerning the life of Brian Spencer which was produced for CBS. In between writing, Paul occupies his time acting both on stage and screen. His acting talents were recognised with a Dora Award nomination for Romeo and Juliet in 1985 and a Dora Award for Best Performance for his role in the critically acclaimed 'Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme which played at Torontos Canadian Stage. On television and film, his numerous starring roles have included Chasing Rainbows, Getting Married in Buffalo Jump, Cold Comfort, Aspen Extreme and Tales of the City. Copyright Alliance Did You Know? By Elaine Lucas
Paul Gross is presently starring in a series of commercials advertising the repeat run of DS on the Showcase Network. The adverts promote Canada and her tourist industry with Paul, in dress reds as Fraser, informing us of all the great Canadian inventions. Did you know, he says, the Canadians invented basketball and the snow ball-but called it a ball of show? At the end of the advert, he says "Thank you kindly," and the voice-over invites us to watch the next DS episode "only on Showcase." ASPEN EXTREME Despite knowing Paul would be gracing my screen, I did not think I would enjoy this film because the subject matter, namely skiing, was not one to fill me with uncontrollable euphoria. I soon changed my mind. Aspen Extreme is not your average run-of-the-mill sort of film; it's hard to describe for one thing, being neither exactly an action film nor precisely a 'character' film. It revolves around the experiences of two young men Dex and T.J. (Paul) as they leave their dead-end lives to pursue a skiing instructor dream in Aspen. There are a lot of nice unexpected twists and turns and for the most part the film keeps you hooked - especially the buddy-buddy relationship and the gratuitous shower scene!! Paul is superb in this role, demonstrating his flair not only for challenging acting but also for skiing. Nice to see him playing someone so totally removed from starchy Fraser - someone who is human and doubting but someone who delivers one hell of a chat-up line - something Benny could never do! But, for me, the 'star' has to be T.J.'s friend Dex, a likeable rogue whose life ends in tragedy in the tear-jerking climax.
By Sharon Elton. This was the first time I had seen Paul Gross as anything other than the Mountie, Benton Fraser and I must say I was impressed! Our hero plays a sexy skier who quits his dead end job in Detroit and, along with his best friend, Dexter Ruttecki, heads for Aspen to pursue his dream of being a ski instructor and writer. T. J. Burke is a sensitive guy with a liking for the ladies and along the way gets himself involved in a love triangle with the caring blonde DJ, Robyn and the toffy-nosed rich bitch Bryce. Guess who we'd like him to be with! This film has everything. Drama, romance, comedy, action and tragedy. It is also nice to see Paul Gross get one over Martin Kemp who played Hans, a rival ski instructor.
By Elaine Despite knowing Paul would be gracing my screen, I did not think I would enjoy this film because the subject matter, namely skiing, was not one to fill me with uncontrollable euphoria... I soon changed my mind. Aspen Extreme is not your average run of the mill sort of film; it's hard to describe for one thing being neither exactly an action film nor precisely a character film. It revolves around the experiences of two young men Dex and TJ (Paul) as they leave their dead-end lives to pursue a skiing instructor dream in Aspen. There are a lot of nice unexpected twists and turns and for the most part the film keeps you hooked especially the buddy-buddy relationship and the gratuitous shower scene. Paul is superb in this role, demonstrating his flair not only for challenging acting but also for skiing. Nice to see him playing someone so totally removed from starch Fraser. Someone who is human and doubting but someone who delivers one hell of a pidk up line. Something Benny could never do! But for me the star has to be TJ's friend Dex. A likeable rogue whose life ends in tragedy in the tear jerking climax.
By Peggy Beaven Aspen Extreme was set in a ski resort with much of the action taking place on the ski slopes. This really gave Paul the lead role although there were other well known faces. Here was Fraser with long hair, na_ve, unworldly and foolishly daring risking everything for his friend. He was also, of course, a wow with the opposite sex. Watch out for the scene in the shower - woops! 20,000 LEAGUES INTO SILLINESS This is a partial transcript of a review from 'Variety,' March 20. I've just removed the cast/crew list at the end. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Sunday (23), 9-11 p.m., CBS) By Ray Richmond For those confused that the title 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea must have something to do with a sports widow who finds her dream coming true, a quick lesson in measures: the league referred to here is an indefinite distance generally defined as about 3 to 32 miles. This is important to note, because the last time the word league was uttered in a non-sports context was, oh, about 43 years ago when the original 1954 Disney feature based on the Jules Verne classic novel was released. The fact that CBS is blowing off such a name remake outside of sweeps is generally a tip-off that the network may feel it has a canine on its hands. In truth, this 20,000 Leagues is not quite that bad. For one thing, it features spectacular photography from teams headed by Alan Hume and James Devis, and director Michael Anderson (who also helmed Verne's multiple Oscar-winner Around the World in 80 Days in 1956) lends the production a classy, refined tone. Then there is the story. Silly and claustrophobic, it conveys none of the tension or suspense of a the glorious Richard Fleischer-directed original, which starred Kirk Douglas, Paul Lukas, James Mason and Peter Lorre. It shows us great underwater pictures of fish, but then so does Sea World. Verne's basic story (set in 1868) tells of a world-famous New York marine biologist named Professor Aronnax (Richard Crenna, looking pained) who has been recruited to identify a long, black creature that has this nasty habit of opening huge gashes on seagoing vessels by smashing them with its steely whatevers. When the professor and his scientist daughter Sophie (Julie Cox) take to the sea to help find the monster, their ship is rammed, but not by a monster. It turns out to be the hi-tech submarine Nautilus commanded by the vindictive Captain Nemo (Ben Cross of Chariots of Fire). Nemo is one strange dude, hoarding gold and paintings and jewels and smoking seaweed cigars. He's kind of an underwater survivalist. If he had more legroom on his sub, he'd probably try his hand at cult leadership. Instead, he aims to take over the world by slamming ships one at a time, still paying back society for the murders of his wife, children and parents years before. Mason made a truly frightful Nemo in the Disney classic. He was a power-mad maniac with a chilling edge. By contrast, Cross is more anal-retentive than megalomaniacal, more lonely than vindictive B and so stiff he appears on the verge of rigor-mortis. He is a control freak's control freak but roughly as imposing as Flipper. While Cross clearly is a magnificent actor, he plays Nemo with too much intensity, far too little menace. Joe Wiesenfeld's tedious script tells of Nemo's lust for the professor's daughter, his spiteful relationship with a free-spirited harpoonist (Paul Gross of Due South, who supplies the film with its requisite beefcake quotient) and his hot-'n'-cold dialogue with the prof himself. By the time his oceanic tale splashes toward its conclusion with the Nautilus getting swallowed by a huge monster that looks like a really ugly rug, the only remaining issue is how to convince Nemo to get his spiteful backside into therapy. Or at least into some sort of committed relationship. The effects here are splendid, with the computer graphics and technical work particularly exquisite. They almost make the movie worth watching.
by Marilyn Pye I have just finished watching the latest remake of Jules Vern's 20,000 leagues under the sea on video, in which Paul portrays the character of Ned. Now, the only other version of the above, that I've ever seen, is the one with James mason and Kirk Douglas. So I really wasn't sure what to expect. Considering how in some cases directors and remakes just do not mix, if you know what I mean? But I found the above was good and fine; not topnotch excellence, mind, but it was good and fine. Richard Crenna and Paul Gross and Julia Cox certainly gave their characters life. Ben Cross, also. Paul's portrayal of Ned was great, despite the fact that the character was more of a minor role, as compared to that of the others. Paul didn't really have much to do. Certainly, he wasn't given the chance to act drunk though the scene in the captain's quarters comes close. Ned hears the captain offering Arramax a cigar and a brandy and it's like hounds hearing the master's call to dinner! He sits himself down at the captain's table fully expecting to be given cigar and brandy!! But then the captain gives him that hidden verbal warning of 'On your way, mate! I will not tolerate your presence!' when he bids him goodnight. But Paul certainly gave the impression of 'I do what I damn well please! Get in my way, while I'm doing my job, and I'll throw you overboard, boots and all. However I am still a staunch and loyal bloke, regardless so, if there is trouble or danger aboard, I will do my best to aid, rescue and / or protect you.' I certainly do not know Kirk Douglas, but I'm sure that he would find Paul's portrayal of this character to be fine. And Paul looked great in that Kentuckee whaler's outfit. Regarding Ben Cross. His portrayal of Nemo wasn't as great as James Mason's. the latter's portrayal was much more action bound, whereas Ben Cross's was more of the restrained, semi-wimpish internal action style. So there is that contrast of these two characters. Which had me completely expecting to see a fight happening between the characters of Nemo and Ned. Richard Crenna, as always, gives presence to the movie. As does Julia Cox. Certainly the two make a great father and daughter team on screen. Finally, I have to mention the special effects creature which is used in this version. Replacing the original octopussy / tentacled creature depicted in Jules Vern's story, there is instead a creature which is a fantastic combination of a large manta ray (the species which has the tentacles on the mouth) and a whale shark. It is really a great creature feature for the movie. To be fair, I also liked how the Nautilus submarine and the hand weapons were depicted. The deep sea suits were also fine. But I have to have a nag over the fact that the scenes where the characters go for the walk on the sea bed, wearing these suits, there are no gloves used on the suits! Where are the gloves? Now I am not a member of the Navy nor have I ever had the chance to actually learn to dive, but I have read books regarding the various aspects of diving. So please correct me if I'm wrong here. With the exception of Chinese/ Japanese pearl diving, is it or is it not a major point in deep sea diving that gloves are to be worn at all times when one is in the water? The above is the only blooper that was obvious to me, during the run of the video. Buried on a Sunday By Natalie Watts Anyone else noticed all Paul's films are weird? Good weird, quality weird, but, nonetheless, weird. There's Cold Comfort, Tales of the City and this one. The plot is just wild. Paul plays a hippy mayor (who happens to be a priest as well) of a small fishing island. The island is to lose its fishing rights so Paul decides to start the peasants revolting. Luckily, they happen to have in their back pocket a nuclear submarine whose missiles they can train on Washington unless their demands are met. Totally mad. It is slow going in a few places but the story works. Maury Chakin pops up as a good guy who knows he is going to die. The scenes between and Paul are powerfully acted, up there with Victoria's Secret. That French woman from Mask turns up too but I found the torrid love scenes between her and Paul insulting to the viewer's intelligence when dropped so resoundingly into an otherwise innovative and involving plot. Still, we got to see Paul in his vest so not all was lost. Also worthy of note is the American President who is a deliberate parady of stuffed shirts everywhere. The scene where he is trying on various wigs - to make him look more commanding - is priceless. I really enjoyed this film. Powerful acting. Cold Comfort By Sofie Jones. The newspaper reviews were right when they called it odd and bizarre because that's exactly what it was. There were shades of 'Misery' here as madman Lucas rescues salesman Stephen to take him home as a birthday present for his 16 year old daughter. Lucas' emotions see-saw dramatically; one minute he is encouraging Stephen to watch his daughter's strip-tease show, the next he is swearing to kill him for daring to glance her way. The mood darkens progressively until Lucas has his guest chained to the wall. Paul Gross is sexy and gorgeous in the role with a winning charm which allows him to sell 'hand-made by machine' wallets to store owners but the role does not stretch him. He only has two good scenes worthy of his talent - when he comforts the daughter and when he discovers he has been manacled - the rest of the time, he is the victim. Certainly we feel sorry for him and we worry for his safety but it is the relationship between Lucas and his daughter which draws our attention. The film is beautifully shot with an unhurried air to it but it leaves many questions unanswered. What was the significance of the paint being stacked by Lucas? I kept expecting to see a suffering Stephen being daubed with fuchsia pink! Similarly, the ending frustrated me. Stephen was given a hacksaw blade to saw through his chains but I couldn't make out whether he broke free or not. I now the blade shattered but then we see him standing by the window as if he's loose. Then the daughter comes walking home across the snowy fields after seeing her father commit suicide - and Stephen watches her approach. And that's it. Just five minutes of watching her tramp across snow. Yup, the critics were correct - bizarre!
By Peggy Beaven Cold Comfort was a strange and uncomfortable story with Paul very much the victim, chosen for his looks by a weird father to be a toy for his daughter. How young and slim he was and how shocking the explosion of four letter words when all his efforts to escape fail. It was doubly shocking because we had never before heard anything stronger than 'Oh dear!' from his lips! It was weird - all of it. Getting Married In Buffalo Jump BY Antnonette Robinson. 'Getting Married in Buffalo Jump' is set in the Great Outdoors, a ranch in Alberta. The ranch is owned by Sophie Ware, who was left the property in her father's will. She employs ranch hand Alexander Bresnynachuch (Paul Gross) who has his own ideas about getting his sticky hands on the ranch. Alexander therefore suggests that he and Sophie should get married after only one date! As a business proposal only though. Throughout the film the main characters have an on / off relationship but you just know that everything will work out all right in the end. If you enjoy seeing Paul in cowboy boots, jeans and sweaty T-shirts - and at one point skinny dipping! - this film is for you! Overall a very enjoyable film which shows Paul at his best. Even if you are a David fan, this is a good, easy going and enjoyable film.
by Sharon Elton
Wanted for fresh meat and shelter, the buffalo was the victim of one of history's most inventive forms of mass slaughter, the buffalo jump. The native hunters herded the buffalo into position where brave young men, dressed in coyote skins, spooked the animals into a fatal stampede over a 10m cliff, creating an instant all-you-can-eat buffalo at the bottom. The area earned its name 150 years ago in memory of a young warrior who was crushed to death as he watched from below.
Tales of the City By Antoinette Robinson. This is a six part mini-series, set in San Francisco in 1976. The series revolves around an apartment block and its residents and the story takes us to each character in turn, showing us their daily lives and giving us an insight into their relationships. Paul plays Brian Hawkins whom we see dating different women, smoking pot and showing his bare chest a lot. If you are a fan of Benton Fraser and his image of the clean-cut Mountie then this isn't for you but if you are a crazy fan of the actor Paul Gross and his work then this is a must - but be prepared to be shocked! By Sophie Jones. Definitely a surprise! The first time I saw 'Tales of the City' I was gobsmacked. I was so used to seeing Paul as Benny, all naively and politeness, that it was quite difficult adjusting to this new character of Brian Hawkins who smoked interesting substances, wore way-out 70's clothes and swore. More disturbing still was Brian's attitude to women; no fumbling and stuttering here! Brian's one aim in life, as he plaintively wailed at one point, was 'to get laid' and he spent most of the series endeavoring to achieve his goal. At one point he goes into a laundry mat and uses detergent as a come on! Apart from Paul and let's be honest, no way would I have watched the thing had it not been for him - the series was moving, intelligent and painted a 'warts and all' true picture of Reality. The characters were flawed, vulnerable and needy, but they were also deeply human. Powerful thought provoking stuff. Whale Music By Janet Wright This film in Paul's resume will not be everyone's cup of tea: not only because Paul isn't in it enough but also because it contains strong language and nudity. For my part, I found it a beautiful, poignant little film owing much to Maury Chaykin's masterful performance as the reclusive Des Holis who is haunted by the betrayal of and he love for his dead brother, Daniel, played by Paul Gross. The two brothers had a successful singing partnership and lived the rock n roll life style to the full. A selfish roller coaster ride with tragic consequences. Although this is Maury's film, Paul does has his moments, the best being the scene in the prison cell where he makes an emotive plea for forgiveness. We all know from 'Victoria's Secret' how good at playing tortured souls Paul is! Also appearing is Jennifer Dale in, ahem, shall we say a slightly different relationship with Paul's character than she did in 'Letting Go.' For the unashamedly lecherous among us, it must be noted that 'Whale Music' has the first, albeit brief, sex scene of Paul's that I've seen. Be still my beating heart! Given the fact that lovely ladies tend to bare all with alarming regularity in many of Paul's films, it is little wonder that the poor man fought to keep such things out of DS. Serious though, Whale Music' is a moving experience, worthy of anyone's time and for those who appreciate Maury's acting,there's an interesting footnote: He appears in a third season episode. Definitely one to watch! XXX's and OOO's By Jeanette Luker You'll love this film of Paul's if you love grey hair and a laugh. Paul plays alcoholic Bucky Dean, an aged rockstar wannabe who has little chance of getting into the big time music business. Just when Bucky seems on the up, it suddenly takes a turn for the worst. He resorts to drinking and eventually winds up on the road to death (literally!)
The good news is you hear Paul sing and play the guitar, the bad is you have to bear a ridiculous Nashville accent and a croaky voice.
If I could pick any character from any fil I've seen to describe the opposite of Benny, it would be Bucky Dean. If you love Paul, then you'll love this film. If you don't then I wouldn't bother as it's almost as boring as watching paint dry!
