Embedded Files
The Miss Canada Pageant began in 1963 with Peter Jennings and Baden Langton as co-hosts. Both men worked in television news in various capacities in Canada. Langton eventually moved to the United States to work for ABC News and Jennings remained in Canada as solo host of the pageant through 1966. By then, Jennings had moved to the United States and become anchor of ABC's evening news.
The Miss Canada Pageant began in 1963 with Peter Jennings and Baden Langton as co-hosts. Both men worked in television news in various capacities in Canada. Langton eventually moved to the United States to work for ABC News and Jennings remained in Canada as solo host of the pageant through 1966. By then, Jennings had moved to the United States and become anchor of ABC's evening news.
Jennings' departure opened the door for Jim to step in and host the pageant. By now, Jim had three game show stints under his belt and was comfortable with the ad-libbing abilities necessary to host a live event. The Miss Canada Pageant always aired in late October or early November each year. The pageant winner was actually crowned Miss Canada for the following year. For example, when Jim's first pageant aired in October 1967, the winner was crowned Miss Canada 1968.
Jennings' departure opened the door for Jim to step in and host the pageant. By now, Jim had three game show stints under his belt and was comfortable with the ad-libbing abilities necessary to host a live event. The Miss Canada Pageant always aired in late October or early November each year. The pageant winner was actually crowned Miss Canada for the following year. For example, when Jim's first pageant aired in October 1967, the winner was crowned Miss Canada 1968.
Hosting the pageant was not without its share of hazards. At the Miss Canada 1976 pageant which aired on November 3, 1975, just minutes before 20 year old Sylvia McCuire of Halifax was crowned the 1976 Miss Canada, about 10 women protesters swarmed the stage calling the pageant a "meat market". One woman attempted to grab the microphone from Jim while another tried grabbing one of the cameras. A studio guard was thrown across a table and suffered two broken ribs before the women were removed from the studio. Professional as always, Jim resumed the show as if nothing had happened.
Hosting the pageant was not without its share of hazards. At the Miss Canada 1976 pageant which aired on November 3, 1975, just minutes before 20 year old Sylvia McCuire of Halifax was crowned the 1976 Miss Canada, about 10 women protesters swarmed the stage calling the pageant a "meat market". One woman attempted to grab the microphone from Jim while another tried grabbing one of the cameras. A studio guard was thrown across a table and suffered two broken ribs before the women were removed from the studio. Professional as always, Jim resumed the show as if nothing had happened.
During most of his 24 year run hosting the pageant, Jim commuted from the U.S. each fall for the event. The exception was the pageant years 1973-1978 when Jim and his family lived in Canada full-time. The Miss Canada Pageant 1991 was actually Jim's last ever television appearance as a host. This last pageant aired live on the CTV network on October 29, 1990, nearly two years after Jim's last two game shows, Sale of the Century and Definition, had faded from the airwaves.
During most of his 24 year run hosting the pageant, Jim commuted from the U.S. each fall for the event. The exception was the pageant years 1973-1978 when Jim and his family lived in Canada full-time. The Miss Canada Pageant 1991 was actually Jim's last ever television appearance as a host. This last pageant aired live on the CTV network on October 29, 1990, nearly two years after Jim's last two game shows, Sale of the Century and Definition, had faded from the airwaves.
The Miss Canada Pageant aired one last time in the fall of 1991, but Jim elected not to return to the show. By then, Jim considered himself retired from television.
The Miss Canada Pageant aired one last time in the fall of 1991, but Jim elected not to return to the show. By then, Jim considered himself retired from television.
The opening minutes of the 1973 Miss Canada Pageant
The opening minutes of the 1973 Miss Canada Pageant
Jim prepares to read the name of the 1973 Miss Canada
Jim prepares to read the name of the 1973 Miss Canada
Here's Jim again hosting Miss Canada 1977 in November 1976.
Here's Jim again hosting Miss Canada 1977 in November 1976.
Jim hosting the Miss Canada 1978 pageant. This aired in November 1977 shortly after Jim began dying his hair black. A few months after this pageant, Jim landed the hosting job on Card Sharks in the U.S.
Jim hosting the Miss Canada 1978 pageant. This aired in November 1977 shortly after Jim began dying his hair black. A few months after this pageant, Jim landed the hosting job on Card Sharks in the U.S.
Catherine Swing is crowned Miss Canada 1978. Swing went on to become a CTV personality co-hosting the game show "Just Like Mom" with her then-husband Fergie Olver in the 1980s.
Catherine Swing is crowned Miss Canada 1978. Swing went on to become a CTV personality co-hosting the game show "Just Like Mom" with her then-husband Fergie Olver in the 1980s.
Jim's returns one last time as host of Miss Canada 1991. This aired over CTV on October 29, 1990.
Jim's returns one last time as host of Miss Canada 1991. This aired over CTV on October 29, 1990.
Jim presents flowers to Miss Canada 1991.
Jim presents flowers to Miss Canada 1991.
Jim and his longtime co-host Dominique Dufour, who was Miss Canada 1981, congratulate the Miss Canada 1991 winner, Leslie McLaren.
Jim and his longtime co-host Dominique Dufour, who was Miss Canada 1981, congratulate the Miss Canada 1991 winner, Leslie McLaren.
Want to hear a sample of Jim's singing? Click the picture on the left to hear Jim sing "Believe In Yourself" at the 1990 Miss Canada Pageant.
Want to hear a sample of Jim's singing? Click the picture on the left to hear Jim sing "Believe In Yourself" at the 1990 Miss Canada Pageant.
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