I learned quite a lot from the tour we took and the items we saw. Casa Loma was envisioned by Sir Henry Pallett, to be his “house on a hill” or Casa Loma. A very wealthy man, he hired architect E.J. Lennox to assist in the castle’s design. Pallett was inspired by the designs from Europe and also his love of the military. At the time, he had a fortune of $17 million to create the castle. It was completed in 3 years and cost $3.5 million to build. Pallett completed the castle by filling it with beautiful pieces of artwork.
Sir Henry Pallett was a prominent businessman and community figure. Casa Loma provided the perfect place to host large-scale events and occasions. Moreover, his wife held prominent status also, and the two of them led a busy social schedule within the castle.
However, debt caught up to Pallett and he was forced to auction off his possessions and sadly, his beloved castle. When the couple moved out, the castle sat vacate for a short period of time. It was used as a hotel for a little while, as well as a place for musical entertainment. During the depression it remained vacate and suggestions such as a schoolhouse, museum, art gallery, veteran’s home and also a permanent residence for the Dionne quintuplets were considered for its use. In 1936, it was agreed upon to make it a tourist attraction and in 1937, it was refurbished and opened to the public by the Kiwanis Club.
The three of us toured the castle, each taking pictures and notes. Stephanie chose to write the script, as she had previous experience in such tasks.
I feel that if I had written it, I would make it a bit longer, and also a little livelier. I understand that it is an old historical landmark and one cannot stray from fact, but perhaps a cheerier style of writing could be used.
Our intention for the script was to be something that intrigued audiences, and caught their attention. Perhaps they would want to visit the lovely site.
While wandering around the area I attempted to relate what I saw to media’s influence. I thought about the various styles in the house, and the items of furniture. Why were they purchased? Were they advertised? Did everyone have this style? Moreover, I noticed that there was a lot of artwork. Today, people do not have such drastic pieces of art. Perhaps this is because with the television and computer, we can see different images from all across the world whenever we want. Back then, they did not have such an option and artwork was a way to view the world.
Our Work:
INT. CASA LOMA – GREAT HALL – CONTINUOUS
The narrator moves into the Great Hall.
NARRATOR
As we enter the Great Hall, notice the hanging chandeliers hanging from the 60 foot ceiling. The pillars supporting the ceiling are all richly adorned with sculpture work of mythical Greek heroes.
The Pellatts were known for their large collection of Chippendale, Elizabethan, and Louis XIV furniture. Pieces from their collection are found throughout the hall and the rest of the castle.
Also from the same periods are their collections of paintings and wall hangings. Most of the artworks displayed in the Great Hall are reproductions. To pay off debts in the early 30s, the Pellatts auctioned off the majority of their art collection for a fraction of their value.
Also of interest in the Great Hall is the pipe organ in front of the main floor to ceiling window across from the entrance. It is the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in Canada. Originally used in a Bay Street theatre, it has been restored and displayed in Casa Loma since 1964.
INT. CASA LOMA – OAK ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The narrator moves into the Oak Room.
NARRATOR
To the side of the Great Hall is the Oak Room, Henry Pellatt’s private drawing room. The room takes its name from the French oak panels lining the walls. The panels took three years to be carved by hand by foreign artisans.
Here, he devised all of his business plans. Pellatt was the owner and manager of Pellatt and Pellatt, a company he started with his father. His empire was built on the new technology of electricity.
During the height of his career, he controlled 25% of Canada’s money. Although wealthy, Pellatt was recognized as a good-humoured and generous man, who paid his 40 household staff members well. Each permanent staff member was given a private room, furnished similarly to a dorm room in a college residence. Additionally, Pellatt built an outdoor skating rink for exclusive use by his staff
Overall, it was a fun activity and I recommend taking the tour.
For more information visit: http://www.casaloma.org/Visitor/
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