THE RANKIN FILE: LEGACY OF A RADICAL
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical is a documentary investigation into the colorful and controversial life of Vancouver socialist icon, Harry Rankin.
Vancouver, 1986. The Expo World’s Fair has just ended and the future of the city is at stake. Harry Rankin – World War II veteran, criminal lawyer, city councillor and outspoken socialist – is running for mayor against a young, right-wing upstart named Gordon Campbell.
The film chronicles Harry’s nearly fifty-year career beginning with his World War II military service as a soldier, twice wounded in combat. His worldview altered by his wartime experience, Harry sets out to build a working-class political movement in Vancouver that puts power in the hands of the people.
Finally elected to city council in 1966 after eleven tries, Harry’s career as both a civic politician and a talented criminal lawyer takes off. Not even years of surveillance by the RCMP for alleged ties to the Communist Party can slow him down.
By 1986, Harry is on top of the world and seems poised to become mayor of the city he fought so hard to make the liveable and affordable place it had become. The surprise candidacy of an energetic conservative politician – and future premiere of BC - Gordon Campbell catches Harry’s team off-guard. Developments in Harry’s personal life cause further problems, not only with Harry’s campaign but also with the completion of the documentary.
With nearly three decades having passed since filming began, The Rankin File provides context and commentary only possible with hindsight. What can we learn from the successes– and failures – of Harry Rankin?
Opening Night Film:
DOXA Documentary Film Festival (2018)
Official Selection:
Local Sightings Film Festival (2018)
Salt Spring Island Film Festival (2019)
Broadcast television premiere on Knowledge Network (2019)
CINEMA POLITICA (2019)
What people are saying.
“A documentary that scratches at the open wound of Vancouver’s cold, capitalist heart."
“(1 Of 9 Can't-Miss Films At DOXA) "...it's fascinating to get to know the brash and outspoken Harry Rankin via Teresa Alfeld’s stirring film, and consider what might have been."
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
“A timely return to Harry Rankin's story that dispenses with rose-coloured glasses ... Brisk and informative ... Objective enough to let anyone appreciate the film without any prior knowledge of Rankin ... His just causes, passion for underdogs, and social consciousness are universal traits for doc fans to admire in a leader."