Wojeck

Synopsis

A coroner searches for truth and justice with the help of his friends, while trying to hold his family together. (inspired by the headlines of Dr. Morton Shulman, chief coroner in Toronto) In the 1960s, Canadian TV underwent a shift led by "Wojeck" and "This Hour Has Seven Days." "Wojeck," influenced by Dr. Morton Shulman's work, explored safety standards through naturalistic filmmaking by Ronald Weyman and Grahame Woods. John Vernon's portrayal of Wojeck, a Polish Catholic confronting moral dilemmas, tackled societal issues like abortion and drug addiction. Guided by Weyman and David Peddie, the show bravely addressed topics like homosexuality and elderly neglect, gaining acclaim and international recognition.

First Air Date: 1966-09-13

Last Air Date: 1968-03-12

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 19

Created By: Phillip Hersch

Networks: CBC Television

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

John Vernon as Steve Wojeck
Patricia Collins as Marty Wojeck
Ted Follows as Bateman
Carl Banas as Byron James
Tannis G. Montgomery as Judy Wojeck (daughter)
James Weyman as Stevey Wojeck (son)
Michael Learned as Nina Eden
Jennifer Leak as Gale Fletcher
Peter Donat as Bob Eden
Sharon Acker as Tony Marlowe

Seasons

Season 1 (1966)

"Wojeck," crafted by Phillip Hersch, found its inspiration in the impactful work of Dr. Morton Shulman, Toronto's chief coroner. Shulman's investigations into deaths due to institutional and industrial neglect, emphasizing the need for improved safety standards, influenced the series.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Last Man in the World (1966-09-13)

Joe Smith, a Cree from Moosonee, comes to the city in search of work and is driven to end his life in a jail cell. Steve Wojeck investigates and uncovers aspects of the alien society which led Joe to his death.
Ep. 2: Listen! An Old Man is Speaking (1966-09-20)

About an outspoken old man, shunted aside by society.
Ep. 3: All Aboard for Candyland (1966-09-27)

No overview for this episode.
Ep. 4: The Cold Smile of Friends (1) (1966-10-04)

Gale Fletcher, a pregnant and unwed patient of Wojeck's, is found to be suffering from a critical illness. Meanwhile, a dress designer seeks an illegal abortion without her husband's knowledge.
Ep. 5: The Cold Smile of Friends (2) (1966-10-11)

Wojeck continues his involvement with Gale Fletcher, a pregnant, unwed woman suffering from a critical illness, and is called to investigate the death of a doctor who was a suspect in an illegal abortion case.
Ep. 6: Does Anyone Remember the Victim's Name? (1966-10-18)

Wojeck investigates the death of a young man suspected of brutally murdering an old woman. The youth was killed by a veteran police officer, and newspapers accuse the officer of police brutality. Wojeck's investigation incites unforeseen attention from some influential citizens.
Ep. 7: Pick a Time, Any Time (1966-10-25)

No overview for this episode.
Ep. 8: Thy Mother a Lady, Lovely and Bright (1966-11-01)

Coroner Steve Wojeck investigates the case of a young woman who died in childbirth. Negligence on the part of the hospital staff is suspected by Wojeck as he becomes acquainted with the woman's artist husband Gerry Coleman and his unusual Trotskyite neighbors, Gus and Bea Lefkowitz.
Ep. 9: Another Dawn, Another Surprise, Another Day (1966-11-15)

Investigating a woman's murder, Wojeck suspects her husband, and worries that the husband's landlady may be in danger.