Harold & Lorna: World Water Speed Champions
2012 Docudrama Film
In 1950, the boat, Miss Canada IV, shattered the 200 mph water speed barrier.
Harold and Lorna is the movie and history of the Canadian couple behind the story.
The docudrama film Harold & Lorna: World Water Speed Champions, which chronicles the Wilson family and the Miss Canada IV breaking the 200 mph water speed barrier, premiered in August 2012
Content is from the site's archived pages as well as other sources.
"Harold and Lorna is the finest production I have ever seen on boat racing... No one, unless you have been a racer, will truly understand how hard it is to beat the great American dynasties. The Wilson family did it first. Bravo!"
Ted Abel, Past President, Canadian Boating Federation;
Past Canadian National Champion
Miss Canada IV (MCIV) going 172 MPH
The Story...
The almost-forgotten exploits of Harold and Lorna Wilson, who raced their Miss Canada boats into international fame, made Canadians proud and racing fans everywhere stand up and cheer.
Harold and Lorna Wilson - the winners
Foreword...The Harold & Lorna movie project from the perspectives of the Director, the Executive Producer and the son of the original race team.
Miss Canada IV: 1949-1950
Miss Canada IV
Canada’s 1st Harmsworth Trophy Challenger
When Gar Wood’s Miss America won the British International Trophy – a.k.a. the Harmsworth Trophy - for his country in 1920, the USA began a remarkable reign as the world’s supreme powerboat racing nation. For the next 13 years, Wood defended the trophy against all comers and also set a succession of world water speed records; even determined British challenges led by the likes of Marion Carstairs, Kaye Don and Hubert Scott-Paine fell short. So dominant was the United States in engine and boat design that no nation issued a Harmsworth challenge after 1933. By 1948, boat racing’s holy grail was collecting dust in the Detroit Yacht Club.
No longer an inconsequential British colony, post-war Canada was ready to take on the world and E.A. felt his team had the “right stuff” to do what the British had failed to do. Miss Canada III ‘s handling and riding characteristics were legendary, but the valiant 10 year old boat could no longer match the raw speed of the USA’s new “3 -point” hydroplanes. If Canada was to challenge for the Harmsworth Trophy, the Wilsons needed a bigger, more powerful boat. The rules stipulated that every component of an entrant had to be produced in the country it represented. Greavette’s boat builders were among the very best in the world, but Canada did not yet manufacture engines that could match the American Alisons and Packards. What to do?
E.A.’s service on Canada’s wartime Munitions and Supply Board had put him into direct contact with Rolls Royce in England and the awesome Griffon-powered Spitfire Mk XII. The Harmsworth rules committee, eager to see competition renewed, accepted the Wilsons’ argument that Canada could challenge on behalf of the British Commonwealth and would allow the use of British engines. E.A. used his wartime connections to convince Rolls Royce to reverse company policy, re-enter marine racing, and to “test” a Griffon for an extended period of time -in Canada- before delivery to the Royal Air Force.
Behind the Camera
“For every body on stage, there are four more backstage.”
The old theatre maxim certainly holds true for the movie biz as well. Beyond the speaking roles and extras are the usual suspects: researchers and screenwriters, directors, producers, cameramen, sound and technical crews, makeup artists and facilitators of every description.
From the beginning of this project, however, Muskoka Film Works has relied on something less Hollywood and more theatrical: a legion of volunteers and facilities and equipment offered at little or no cost. Harold & Lorna is forever indebted to the people and organizations in this category, for without them the film would never have made it into production.
Backstage crews and organizations seldom receive the acknowledgement they deserve. Credits fly by on the screen while the audiences scramble on to their next engagement. It’s a fact of life in this wildly busy world. If you’ve read this far, you’ve found some spare time so I’d like to start a backstage tour with them.
Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society gave us a day on the Segwun, the steamship celebrating 125 years service to the Muskoka Lakes in 2012. Right there in her wake were Antique & Classic Boat Society members Chris Cragg, Alan Cranfield, Bobby Genovese, Rolf Gerling, Rick McGraw and Buffy O’Driscoll with their remarkable collection of classic wooden race and family boats.
Canadore College in North Bay hosted auditions, rehearsals, and the 1st week of filming. Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre opened its doors for meetings, film shoots and extensive archival research.
John Lyons from Picton spent many hours researching the Miss Canada days in that waterfront community. The extended Wilson family, including the Elliott, Korell, Warden and Mitchell clans, provided crucial family archives, as well as accommodation, chase boats and drivers for the production company. In addition, dozens of family “extras” appear in the film; some like Syd Lawson and Andrew Blackwell make their speaking role debuts.
And the family contributed in some unusual ways. For example, James offered his huge collection of model racing boats, and because the models had been stored for many years in the open, they were filthy. So sister June, who has an interest in a wholesale supply company provided the necessary professional cleaning supplies and equipment - with enough love and care and rags, polish and detergent, the models made their film debut. Just goes to show you how determination, elbow grease and knowing the right janitorial supplies vendor can help make memorable scene - proven by the mention in the Times Spirit review.
The company is indebted to Lil & Morris Bruce, Bobby Genovese, Doreen Uren, Murray Walker and Al Ward for their memories and insights into the lives of the racing Wilsons.
Finally, Sean Hungerford and Bill Mooney; were it not for their expertise and hours of hard labour, we would have no presence on the internet.
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2013 Movie Updates
Director Bill Plumstead is interviewed by CBC Radio's Barry Mercer.
Docudrama kicks off Sports Hall Rebuilding Campaign.
Muskoka Film Works' Harold and Lorna kicked off a fund-raising campaign in support of the Ingersoll Sports Hall of Fame in the famous racing couple's home town. The photograph below shows Harold and Lorna Wilson's two sons holding both ends of a cheque in the amount of $5000.00, the amount raised through the September 14 Gala screening.
Harold & Lorna Supports Muskoka Charity
All proceeds from the August 22-23 Gravenhurst Premiere of Harold & Lorna - over $11,000.00 - went to assist in the building of kids' bedrooms in the Habitat for Humanity Muskoka homes being built for the Martin and Prosser families. Muskoka Film Works thanks and congratulates everyone for their enthusiastic support of this wonderful charity.
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Project Friends
These Friends have played critical roles in bringing the movie& boat restoration projects to life
Antique and Classic Boat Society
Toronto Chapter
A staunch supporter of the movie and restoration effort, ACBS-Toronto strives to raise public awareness and appreciation of the importance of protecting, preserving and promoting our Canadian heritage of vintage water craft and related artifacts. The Society also works with and supports organizations with strong linkages to its interests, events and communities.
BG Capital Group
BG Capital Management Corporation is a multi-faceted financial corporation based in Barbados specializing in international equities, asset consolidation, strategic partnerships and real estate trusts. Founder and Chairman Bobby Genovese, a Toronto native and Muskoka summer resident who celebrates historic wooden boats at every opportunity, led the charge to turn the project's movie and boat restoration dreams into reality.
Flight Engineering
This UK company specializes in a number of fields from industrial automation to construction of light aircraft. They were selected to modify and supply the 3,000 horse power Rolls Royce Griffon engine and transmission used to power the restored Miss Canada IV.
Town of Gravenhurst
The Gateway to the Muskokas, the Town of Gravenhurst is rich in boating heritage. Originally the terminus of 18th century rail lines heading north where visitors would transfer onto steamships to travel to wilderness hotels, the Town retains its links to this era as home port to R.M.S. Segun, at 125 yrs old the longest serving steamer in North America. By the mid 20th century, Gravenhurst had become a world leader in wooden boat design and construction. Greavette, Ditchburn and other marques are highly sought-after, even today. The Town was the home port of the Greavette-built Miss Canada race boats, and today hosts the annual Antique & Classic Boat Show and powerboat races on Gull Lake.
Ingersoll Machine and Tool
IMT was founded back in 1914 by the Wilson family and although under different ownership IMT continues its proud history of growth and development within the community. IMT gives homage to the Wilson family and the Miss Canada IV by supporting this historic film, Harold and Lorna. As a Canadian owned manufacturing corporation, serving a wide variety of industries, it is IMTs mandate to make worthwhile ventures such as this possible.
Harold & Lorna and Miss Canada IV Facebook Page
This Facebook page is an interactive forum for fans, providing regular updated information on the movie about the famous Canadian racing couple and the restoration of their iconic, record-breaking Miss Canada.
Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum
In addition to thrilling fans when the likes of Miss Budweiser and The Blue Blaster roar back to life, the Museum is also home to historical and educational information on hydroplane racing, including books, newspaper stories, photos, video footage and online special events.
Town of Ingersoll
Incorporated in 1852, Ingersoll evolved from an agricultural town into a centre of industrial innovation. The heart of Ontario’s dairy country, birthplace of Laura Secord and the north end of the Underground Railroad, the town’s fame grew in the 20th century. Situated half way between Detroit and Oshawa, it attracted entrepreneurs and businesses serving the rapidly expanding automobile industry, and provided the Miss Canada team with unmatched technological advantages.
Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre
This Gravenhurst, Ontario boat and heritage centre preserves and exhibits the unique history that defines the Muskoka area, captivating cottagers and visitors alike. They own and operate the historic Royal Mail ship The RMS Segwun, the oldest steam-driven vessel in North America, built in 1887. Along with the many frequently changing displays in their beautifully designed building is an in-water exhibit of working antique boats.
Muskoka Magazine
Muskoka Magazine is the magazine for people who enjoy Muskoka's unique life style and care about its future, providing coverage of fascinating people, things to see and do, special places, and current issues facing those with an interest in Muskoka.
Muskoka Transport
Muskoka Transport has been the only company entrusted to transport the historic Miss Canada IV for over twenty years. Most recently, MT brought the boat "back home" from Ingersoll to Gravenhurst and Port Carling for restoration, and is responsible for delivering her British-built Rolls Royce Griffon engine for installation.
Tom Adams Boatbuilder
Tom Adams, the Port Carling boat builder who restores and refinishes antique and classic wooden boats, was chosen to restore the famous Miss Canada IV. After a year spent rebuilding the hull, he and his team faced the challenge of installing the 3,000 horse power Rolls Royce Griffon engine and related running gear in time for the boat's Summer 2012 launch date.
Woody Boater
This is the premier website for those who enjoy classic wooden boats. This site connects boat enthusiasts from around the world with their stories and pictures of their boats, new projects and events.
More Background On HaroldAndLornaMovie.com
HaroldAndLornaMovie.com is a historically focused film and heritage website dedicated to preserving the remarkable story of Harold and Lorna Wilson and their legendary racing hydroplanes, particularly the world-famous Miss Canada IV. The website serves as the official online home for the Canadian docudrama Harold & Lorna: World Water Speed Champions, a film project that chronicles the Wilson family’s pioneering achievements in international powerboat racing during the 1930s through the 1950s.
More than simply a movie promotion site, HaroldAndLornaMovie.com operates as a digital historical archive devoted to one of the most important yet often overlooked stories in Canadian motorsport history. Through detailed background information, production updates, restoration efforts, archival photographs, and historical essays, the site documents how a Canadian family challenged the dominance of American hydroplane racing dynasties and ultimately helped place Canada on the global water-speed map.
The project blends documentary filmmaking, historical preservation, community heritage, and vintage marine engineering into a unified tribute to a bygone era of racing culture. It appeals not only to film audiences but also to historians, classic boat enthusiasts, motorsport fans, and Canadians interested in national heritage stories.
The Wilson Family and the Rise of Miss Canada
At the heart of HaroldAndLornaMovie.com is the extraordinary story of Harold and Lorna Wilson. The Wilson family became internationally recognized through the Miss Canada series of hydroplane racing boats, which competed against elite American teams during the golden age of powerboat racing.
During the early twentieth century, hydroplane racing represented one of the world’s most technologically advanced and prestigious motorsports. Nations viewed speed records as demonstrations of industrial strength and engineering superiority. The United States dominated the sport for decades through legendary racers such as Gar Wood and the famous Miss America boats, which repeatedly captured the Harmsworth Trophy and set world water speed records.
The Wilsons sought to challenge that dominance from Canada. Their efforts centered on a succession of increasingly sophisticated hydroplanes known as Miss Canada I, II, III, and eventually Miss Canada IV. According to the historical material presented on the website, the Wilson family combined engineering ingenuity, determination, and patriotic ambition to compete with much larger American operations.
The site explains that Miss Canada III became famous for its exceptional handling and ride quality. However, by the late 1940s, newer American “three-point” hydroplane designs had overtaken older configurations in outright speed. If the Wilsons wanted to compete internationally again, they needed a revolutionary new boat.
That boat became Miss Canada IV.
Miss Canada IV and the Pursuit of Speed
Miss Canada IV occupies the central place in the website’s storytelling. Built during the late 1940s, the hydroplane represented Canada’s bold attempt to challenge for the Harmsworth Trophy, one of the most prestigious awards in international powerboat racing.
The website details the enormous technical challenges involved in creating such a machine. Harmsworth Trophy rules required entrants to use components produced within the representing nation. Canada possessed world-class wooden boat builders, including the famous Greavette Boats operation in Gravenhurst, Ontario, but lacked high-performance marine engines capable of matching American Allison and Packard powerplants.
The Wilson family found a creative solution through wartime connections developed during World War II. E.A. Wilson reportedly convinced Rolls-Royce to provide a powerful Griffon aircraft engine for marine use. The Griffon engine had previously powered high-performance military aircraft such as the Spitfire.
The result was extraordinary. Miss Canada IV became one of the most powerful hydroplanes ever built in Canada and eventually shattered the 200 mph water speed barrier in 1950. The achievement represented not only a sporting triumph but also a symbol of postwar Canadian confidence and industrial capability.
HaroldAndLornaMovie.com presents this accomplishment as a defining moment in Canadian sporting history. The website repeatedly emphasizes that the Wilsons succeeded where many earlier British challengers had failed, earning international respect in a sport long dominated by American teams.
The Film: Harold & Lorna: World Water Speed Champions
The centerpiece of the website is the film Harold & Lorna: World Water Speed Champions. Produced by Muskoka Film Works, the project combines dramatic reenactments, documentary storytelling, historical narration, and archival research.
The film is notable for blending professional filmmaking with grassroots historical preservation. HaroldAndLornaMovie.com highlights how volunteers, local businesses, museums, historical societies, and boating enthusiasts contributed to the production.
The movie stars Canadian actor David Fox and features both experienced performers and local participants. The production relied heavily on authentic locations tied to the Wilson story, including communities throughout Ontario’s Muskoka region.
Rather than focusing solely on racing sequences, the film explores the Wilson family dynamic, the emotional toll of elite competition, and the national pride associated with the Miss Canada project. The site positions the movie as both entertainment and historical education, designed to revive public awareness of a nearly forgotten Canadian achievement.
The production’s tone appears rooted in authenticity and community collaboration rather than commercial spectacle. That approach helped the project develop a loyal following among heritage enthusiasts and classic boating communities.
Community Support and Grassroots Production
One of the most distinctive aspects of HaroldAndLornaMovie.com is its emphasis on community involvement. The site repeatedly acknowledges the volunteers, historians, collectors, organizations, and local businesses that helped make the film possible.
Among the key supporters highlighted on the website are:
- Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society
- Antique and Classic Boat Society
- Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre
- Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum
- Canadore College
The website describes how filming locations, archival materials, antique boats, technical expertise, and even transportation services were donated or heavily discounted in support of the project.
This grassroots production approach became part of the film’s identity. HaroldAndLornaMovie.com portrays the movie not as a conventional commercial production but as a community-driven effort to preserve Canadian history before memories and artifacts disappeared.
The site’s “Behind the Camera” section is particularly revealing because it demonstrates how many individuals contributed specialized knowledge and resources. Historians researched waterfront communities associated with the Wilsons, collectors provided antique racing boats for filming, and members of the extended Wilson family supplied personal archives and memorabilia.
That collaborative spirit gave the project credibility within historical and boating circles.
The Importance of Muskoka and Gravenhurst
The website strongly associates the Wilson story with Ontario’s Muskoka region, especially the town of Gravenhurst.
Muskoka has long been connected to boating culture, tourism, and wooden boat craftsmanship. HaroldAndLornaMovie.com highlights the area’s heritage as a center for boatbuilding excellence during the twentieth century. Companies such as Greavette and Ditchburn became internationally respected for their craftsmanship and innovative marine design.
The site describes Gravenhurst as the home port of the Miss Canada boats and explains how the town evolved into a center for classic boat preservation and heritage tourism. This regional identity plays an important role in the movie’s appeal.
Nearby attractions and institutions referenced throughout the website include:
- Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre
- RMS Segwun
- Port Carling
- Ingersoll
The RMS Segwun in particular holds significance because it is recognized as one of North America’s oldest operating steamships. Its appearance in the project reinforces the film’s emphasis on preserving Canadian transportation and marine heritage.
Restoration of Miss Canada IV
An especially fascinating aspect of the Harold & Lorna project involved restoration work on Miss Canada IV itself. The website documents efforts to rebuild and restore the historic hydroplane to operational condition.
Boatbuilder Tom Adams and his team reportedly undertook the difficult challenge of rebuilding the vessel and installing a restored Rolls-Royce Griffon engine capable of producing approximately 3,000 horsepower.
The site explains that the restoration required immense technical expertise due to the age, rarity, and complexity of the boat. Transporting the hydroplane and sourcing components also became major logistical tasks.
For many enthusiasts, the restoration project became just as compelling as the movie itself. HaroldAndLornaMovie.com therefore evolved into a destination for followers of antique marine engineering and hydroplane restoration.
This dual focus on filmmaking and preservation helped distinguish the site from ordinary film promotion pages.
Film Festivals and Public Reception
The website references screenings and premieres that generated strong interest within Canadian heritage communities. The film reportedly screened at the Doc North Film Festival and held special presentations in Gravenhurst and other Ontario communities associated with the Wilson family story.
Audience reactions were especially positive among:
- Classic boat enthusiasts
- Canadian history buffs
- Motorsports fans
- Heritage preservation supporters
- Regional Ontario audiences
HaroldAndLornaMovie.com includes praise from figures connected to Canadian boating organizations, including former champions and federation officials who viewed the production as one of the most authentic portrayals of powerboat racing ever made.
The movie developed a niche but passionate following because it explored an underrepresented chapter of Canadian sporting history. While major Hollywood racing films often focus on automobiles or mainstream motorsports, Harold & Lorna celebrated a uniquely Canadian marine racing tradition rarely depicted onscreen.
Charitable and Cultural Contributions
The project also gained attention for its charitable initiatives. According to the website, premiere screenings raised money for organizations including:
- Habitat for Humanity Muskoka
- Local sports hall rebuilding campaigns
- Community heritage efforts
This philanthropic dimension strengthened the film’s relationship with local communities. HaroldAndLornaMovie.com repeatedly emphasizes the idea that the Wilson legacy belongs not only to motorsport history but also to Canadian cultural identity more broadly.
The site frames the Wilson story as an example of perseverance, innovation, and national pride. In doing so, it connects the family’s racing achievements to larger narratives about postwar Canada and the country’s emergence as a confident industrial nation.
Audience and Cultural Significance
HaroldAndLornaMovie.com appeals to multiple overlapping audiences.
For motorsport enthusiasts, the site provides insight into a fascinating but underappreciated era of hydroplane racing. For historians, it preserves archival material connected to Canadian engineering and sporting culture. For film audiences, it offers a human story centered on ambition, family, and national pride.
The website also resonates with those interested in:
- Wooden boat craftsmanship
- Vintage engines
- Canadian industrial history
- Regional Ontario heritage
- Documentary filmmaking
- Preservation of historical memory
Its cultural significance lies largely in its rescue of a forgotten story. Many modern Canadians know little about hydroplane racing or the Miss Canada boats, despite the Wilsons once being internationally celebrated figures.
By documenting their achievements online, HaroldAndLornaMovie.com helps ensure that the Wilson family remains part of Canada’s sporting and technological narrative.
Design and Structure of the Website
HaroldAndLornaMovie.com reflects the aesthetics of independent heritage websites from the early 2010s. Rather than emphasizing flashy modern design trends, the site prioritizes storytelling, archival photography, and informational depth.
Sections of the site include:
- Historical background
- Production updates
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Restoration progress
- Community supporters
- Media coverage
- Family archives
This structure gives the site the feel of a living museum exhibit rather than a temporary movie marketing campaign.
The emphasis on historical documentation makes the site valuable even for visitors who may never watch the film itself. Researchers and boating enthusiasts can still gain significant insight into Canadian hydroplane history simply by exploring the available material.
The Enduring Legacy of the Wilsons
Ultimately, HaroldAndLornaMovie.com exists because the Wilson family’s achievements represented far more than speed records.
Their story embodied:
- Canadian engineering ambition
- Postwar optimism
- International competition
- Family dedication
- Technological experimentation
- National pride
The site presents Harold and Lorna Wilson not simply as racers, but as cultural pioneers who proved that Canadian teams could compete at the highest levels of international motorsport.
Miss Canada IV became a symbol of that achievement. Even decades later, the hydroplane remains one of the most iconic racing boats in Canadian history.
The website’s greatest success may therefore be its role in preventing that legacy from fading into obscurity. Through filmmaking, restoration, archival preservation, and public outreach, HaroldAndLornaMovie.com transformed an almost-forgotten chapter of Canadian history into an accessible and engaging story for modern audiences.