Paul Gross Movies
Multi-talented actor/writer Paul Gross stayed true to his Canadian roots and became famous as the crime-busting Royal Canadian Mountie in the TV series Due South. Born in Calgary, Army brat Gross was inspired by his high school drama teacher to become an actor, and he entered the University of Alberta in Edmonton to study the craft. Leaving school early to forge a dual career as an actor and writer, Gross appeared in several TV productions and wrote the screenplay for Atom Egoyan's TV movie In This Corner (1985). By the late '80s and early '90s, he began to score more prominent roles in Canadian and American films, including the Canadian TV movies Getting Married at Buffalo Jump (1989) and Cold Comfort (1990), the well-received TV adaptation of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City (1993), the marital dramedy Married to It (1993), and the skiing drama Aspen Extreme (1993). Gross also worked again with Egoyan as the screenwriter for Egoyan's 1993 TV movie Gross Misconduct. After appearing in the Canadian features Paint Cans (1994) and Whale Music (1994), Gross became a primetime regular when his TV movie Due South (1994), about a Mountie who heads to Chicago to track a killer, became a series. Running from 1994 to 1998, Due South's hunky fish-out-of-water hero earned Gross an avid following on both sides of the Canadian border. After Due South went off the air, Gross continued to stick with Canadian TV, starring in the telefilm Murder Most Likely (1999). Gross has been married since 1987 and has two children. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide
- 2008
Inspired by the stories once passed down to him by his grandfather, writer/director Paul Gross explores a defining period of Canadian history in this epic war drama concerning the Battle of Passchendaele. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, Caroline Dhavernas, (more)
The residents of Wilby, Nova Scotia, learn the importance a day can make as scandal weighs heavily on their conscience in the sophomore feature from Canadian playwright-turned-filmmaker Daniel MacIvor. Suicidal Dan Jarvis (James Allodi) is longing to find a reason to live, and as Buddy and Carol Franch's (Paul Gross and Sandra Oh) marriage falls to pieces, single mom Sandra Anderson (Rebecca Jenkins) seeks male companionship to relieve the strain of raising a child alone and unlucky painter Duck MacDonald (Callum Keith Rennie) struggles to overcome his own nagging problems. On the horizon, a shocking revelation threatens to change the way the residents of the small town view both themselves and their neighbors, but how will the people of Wilby deal with such a major problem when they can't even work out their own issues? ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Paul Gross acts as writer, director, and star for this sports comedy about a Canadian curling team. When Chris Cutter (Gross) left his hometown of Long Bay, Ontario, he threw his team's curling stones into the lake and left his bride, Julie (Michelle Nolden), standing at the altar. Ten years later, the curling club's leader, Coach Foley, decides to start up the team again. However, he has a heart attack and dies while trying to retrieve the curling stones from the lake. Returning for the coach's funeral, Cutter fondly remembers his old curling days and decides to follow the terms of the coach's will: to win the prestigious Golden Broom championship. In order to fulfill this goal, Cutter brings the original members of Long Bay Curling Club back together, including mortician Neil (James Allodi), troublemaker James (Peter Outerbridge), and would-be father Eddie (Jed Rees). Chris also reunites with his own estranged father, Gordon (Leslie Nielsen), and gets involved with Julie's recovering alcoholic sister, Amy (Molly Parker). Features original music and special appearances by Canadian rockers the Tragically Hip. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross
- 1998
The fourth and final season of the lighthearted cop show Due South finds the naïve but sharp-witted RCMP Constable Benton Fraser (Paul Gross) still attached to the Canadian consulate in Chicago, enabling him to assist his friend, Chicago police detective Stanley Kowalski (Callum Keith Rennie), in various investigations on an unofficial basis. It should be noted, however, that to the world at large, Kowalski is known as Det. Ray Vecchio, the name of Fraser's former partner, who has gone undercover as a mob "mole" named Armando Logustini. Ray's sister Francesca (Ramona Milano), who has always had a thing for Benton, is now working with the 27th Precinct as a civilian aide, answerable to Kowalski's superior Lt. Welsh (Beau Starr). In the series' final two episodes, the real Ray Vecchio (David Marciano) makes a return appearance, just in time to nab the illegal arms dealer who, years before, had murdered Benton Fraser's mother (Ray and Benton received outside help in this matter from the ubiquitous ghost of Fraser's father). An epilogue then fills in the viewer as to what happened to all the main characters once the series was over. Without giving too much away, it should be no surprise to reveal that Benton's longtime rival detectives, Huey (Tony Craig) and Dewey (Tom Melissis), eventually quit the force to become a comedy team -- "The Duck Boys." The 13 episodes of Due South's fourth season were filmed at the same time as the 13 installments of the series' third season. Though telecast over a two-year period in Canada, these two seasons were combined into one for American syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, Callum Keith Rennie, (more)
- 1996
Michael Anderson directed this TV movie version of Jules Verne's oft-adapted science fiction classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Richard Crenna stars as Henry Aronnax, a marine biologist, who, along with his crew, must confront the maniacal genius Captain Nemo (Ben Cross), helmsman of the Nautilus. Paul Gross and Julie Cox also star. This film should not be confused with the other 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea TV movie that aired the same year and starred Michael Caine and Patrick Dempsey. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Crenna
Although the tongue-in-cheek cop show Due South was canceled by CBS at the end of its second season, the series remained a fixture of Canada's CTV network for two additional years. It was also kept alive in certain American markets through the magic of off-network syndication. As season three begins, Canadian mountie Benton Fraser (Paul Gross) returns from an above-the-border vacation to his new stamping grounds in Chicago, only to discover that his apartment has been torched and his best friend (and sometimes) partner, Chicago police detective Ray Vecchio, has disappeared (series co-star David Marciano had left the show to bargain for a starring series of his own). It soon develops that he has gone deep undercover on behalf of the A.T.F., posing as mob functionary Armando Logustini. To cover up Ray's absence, Detective Stanley Kowlaski (Callum Keith Rennie) has been assigned to impersonate Vecchio and to work as Benton's new partner whenever the mountie is inclined to assist in a local investigation. And just like his predecessor, whose life was occasionally complicated by an ex-wife, Stanley Kowalski is saddled with a former spouse of his own, an assistant states attorney named -- you guessed it -- Stella Kowalksi (played by Melissa DeMarco). As for Ray's loudmouthed sister Francesca (Ramona Milano), she has chosen to remain close to her "beloved" Benton Fraser by hiring on as the 27th precinct's new civilian aide, replacing Elaine Besbriss (Catherine Bruhier), who has joined the police force as a full-fledged officer (but not for long: having opted to move from Toronto to L.A., actress Bruhlier would leave the series three episodes into its third season).
Back on the job are Benton's two superiors, Chicago police lieutenant Welsh (Beau Starr) (newly promoted from Captain), and Inspector Margaret Thatcher (Camilla Scott), the constable's boss at the Canadian Consulate. As for Frasier's rival detective Jack Huey (Tony Craig), who in partnership with Det. Louie Gardino had been known as one of the "Duck Boys," he has now latched onto a new partner, Det. Thomas Dewey (Tom Melissis), keeping his Disneyesque nickname intact. (In case you haven't caught on, Huey has gone from Louie to Dewey!) Also added to the cast this season is the 27th precinct's new medical examiner and resident opera buff, (Mort Gustafson). The 13 episodes of Due South's third season were filmed at the same time as the 13 installments of the series' fourth season. Though telecast over a two-year period in Canada, these two seasons were combined into one for American syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Back on the job are Benton's two superiors, Chicago police lieutenant Welsh (Beau Starr) (newly promoted from Captain), and Inspector Margaret Thatcher (Camilla Scott), the constable's boss at the Canadian Consulate. As for Frasier's rival detective Jack Huey (Tony Craig), who in partnership with Det. Louie Gardino had been known as one of the "Duck Boys," he has now latched onto a new partner, Det. Thomas Dewey (Tom Melissis), keeping his Disneyesque nickname intact. (In case you haven't caught on, Huey has gone from Louie to Dewey!) Also added to the cast this season is the 27th precinct's new medical examiner and resident opera buff, (Mort Gustafson). The 13 episodes of Due South's third season were filmed at the same time as the 13 installments of the series' fourth season. Though telecast over a two-year period in Canada, these two seasons were combined into one for American syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, Callum Keith Rennie, (more)
- 1996
Despite Ray's best efforts, killer Charles Carver (Colm Feore) is paroled for good behavior. Although the authorities believe that the soft-spoken, intellectual Carver has mended his ways, Ray (David Marciano) is convinced that the parolee intends to knock off everyone responsible for his arrest--and Carver confirms this by tauntingly leaving clues for Ray to uncover. As if this wasn't bad enough, Carver manages to persuade the public that he was wrongly imprisoned in the first place--and that Ray had framed him on a phony charge. Originally broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on May 3, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Fraser (Paul Gross) and Ray (David Marciano) appear in Federal court to testify against Randal Bolt (Kenneth Welsh), the terrorist leader who attempted to hijack a trainload of singing mounties in the previous episode "All the Queen's Horses." Unfortunately for the two lawmen, the courtroom is invaded by Ray's cousins, who intend to free the terrorist and kill off his accusers. The climax finds our heroes strapped to a bomb that is set to go off if their combined heartrate exceeds 200 beats per minute. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on May 24, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
While pursuing a gang of diamond thieves and kidnappers, Fraser (Paul Gross) is thrown from a van and rendered unconscious. When he awakens, he realizes that his memory has been erased. As Fraser laboriously picks through his past (courtesy of filmclips from previous Due South episodes), hopes to rescue the crooks' hostage grow dimmer and dimmer. Filmed as the final episode of Due South's second season, this episode was slated to premiere over the American CBS network on May 31, 1996, but was yanked at the last minute. As a result, the episode debuted September 19, 1996 on Canadian television--and was not seen in the US until it was picked up by the TNT cable service on November 4, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Fraser's (Paul Gross) former lover Victoria (Melina Kanakeredes reveals her true colors when she kills her former partner Jolly (Denis Forest) and frames Fraser (Paul Gross) and Ray (David Marciano) on a charge of passing stolen money. But is it truly her scheme to destroy Fraser, or does she have something entirely different in mind. A shocking denoument may spell the end of Fraser and Ray's careers--not to mention their friendship. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on June 2, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Having been shot by his partner Ray (David Marciano) in the previous episode "Victoria's Secret", Fraser (Paul Gross) recuperates in the hospital. With plenty of time on his hands, Fraser tries to get over his duplicitious ex-lover Victoria (Melina Kanakaredes), and wonders if his friendship with Ray can ever be repaired. And, oh yes, he manages to get involved in the pursuit of a gang of murderous extortionists, thanks to the enthusiasm of his physical therapist Jill Kennedy (Laurie Holden). First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on June 9, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
A valuable collection of masks from the aboriginal Tsimshian tribe has been stolen from the Museum of National History. Hoping to prevent an international crisis between the museum and the French owners of the collection, Fraser (Paul Gross) and Ray (David Marciano) inaugurate a search for the thief. They are assisted by Fraser's old friend, Tsimshian tribal leader Eric (Rodney A. Grant)--who may know more about the heist, and the crook's identity, than he is letting on. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on January 19, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
A teenage girl named Andy (Amy Stewart) filches a brooch belonging to Fraser's boss Thatcher (Camilla Scott). Even worse, the young pickpocket has also made off with an electronic appointment book belonging to a murdered madam, containing information that could destroy the career of a prominent senator. Fraser (Paul Gross) and Ray (David Marciano) attempt to retrieve the book (and of course the brooch), all the while protecting the fugitive Andy and her partner-brother Sid (Shawn Mathieson) from the senator's murderous minions. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on January 12, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Outraged by the actions of his new landlord John Taylor (Karl Pruner), Fraser (Paul Gross) organizes a tenants' protest--and succeeds only in getting practically everyone evicted. Refusing to give up the fight, Fraser takes his case all the way to the Chicago city council, whereupon Taylor takes violent revenge upon the remaining tenants. Fraser's climactic filibuster is reminiscent of the 1939 film classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, which may explain why this episode's alternate title is "Thank You Kindly, Mr. Capra." Katayoun Amini, real-life wife of series regular David Marciano (Ray), is here cast as Ray's ex-wife Angela. First broadcast on Canadian television, "One Good Man" made its US debut on February 9, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Due South regular Daniel Kash exits the series in spectacular fashion when his character, Chicago detective Louis Gardino, is killed by a bomb intended for Ray (David Marciano). His grief exacerbated by a thirst for vengeance, Ray goes after the man whom he thinks is responsible for Gardino's death: Mafia boss Frank Zuko (Jim Bracchita), who grew up in Ray's neighborhood. Complicating matters is the growing romantic relationship between Ray and Zuko's sister Irene (Carrie-Ann Moss)--a relationship that leads inexorably to another tragedy. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on February 2, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
When a computer glitch declares that Ray (David Marciano) is dead, he and Fraser (Paul Gross) head to their bank to correct the error and free up Ray's money. Once at the bank, the two lawmen recognize one of the cleaning crew as a crook of their acquaintance--and before long, our heroes are in the middle of a bank robbery. Locking themselves in the vault, Ray and Fraser set off the bank's sprinkler system in hopes of foiling the thieves, only to nearly drown themselves in the process. And as if this isn't bad enough, Ray's sister Francesca (Ramona Milano) manages to get herself snatched as a hostage. Camilla Scott makes her first series appearance as Constable Margaret Thatcher, Fraser's beautiful but contentious new boss. Originally broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on December 8, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Ray (David Marciano) leaves Chicago to accompany Fraser (Paul Gross) to the latter's Canadian home turf, there to rebuild the cabin Fraser inherited from his late father. Unfortunately, the pilot hired to fly them to the Great White North is really a convicted felon, who bails out of the plane in mid-air. After the two lawmen crash-landing in the wilderness, a blinded, crippled Fraser must rely upon city-bred Ray for survival--all the while conducting a search for the missing "pilot", who plans kill his pursuers before they catch up with him. Comedian Red Green shows up as an airport controller. Originally telecast in Canada as the opener of Due South's second season, this episode debuted in the US on January 5, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
