North of 60 back with edge

Page 8

Some of the faces that helped to establish North of 60 as one of Canada's most widely watched television series over its six year run, reunite on the screen in the upcoming In the Blue Ground: A North of 60 Movie, slated to air March 28 on CBC.

Based on the successful CBC series set in the fictional town of Lynx River, N.W.T, this two-hour television movie is something of a departure, both in terms of story line and energy. This time we find the small Dene community enveloped in intrigue, as RCMP Cpl. Michelle Kenidi (Tina Keeper) and Const. James Harper (Peter Kelly Gaudreault) try to solve the murder of a geologist and the disappearance of nurse Sarah Birkett (Tracey Cook).

Director Alan Simmonds takes full advantage of our most basic human fears and creates a mood that's dark and down-right spooky. And, without giving anything away, when Kenidi and Harper do track the killer down, the chase through the bush will keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

Other familiar faces back on the set are actors Dakota House, Wilma Pelly, Michael Horse, Jimmy Herman, and Robert Bockstael as Michelle's former partner, Brian Fletcher.

In the Blue Ground may not be Native directed, written or produced but this movie just may be one of a handful of films where the audience won't even notice the ethnicity of the main characters. And, hopefully, In the Blue Ground is the vehicle that will finally allow the talents of Tina Keeper and her colleagues to be recognized outside of Native specific roles.

Bottom line: In the Blue Ground is a psychological thriller that takes the audience on a great ride - and it will definitely make you think twice before wandering from camp looking for firewood!