CORONATION GIRLS

In 1953, 50 Canadian teens were chosen to attend the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. Now, they reunite to share their stories in an emotional documentary

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It was an adventure they'd cherish forever. Seventy-two years ago, 50 young Canadian women were offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience: to sail across the Atlantic to witness the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. How could they say no! The teenagers – hailing from high schools across the country – enjoyed an all-expenses-paid trip, including wardrobe and luggage, sponsored by late businessman and philanthropist Garfield Weston. Now, so many years later, the women are sharing their incredible stories in the can't-miss documentary Coronation Girls (available on TVO), which will leave you in tears.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Canadian filmmaker Douglas Arrowsmith connected with the Weston family and chose to take a crack at the documentary, not entirely sure of its direction. It began with interviewing the women who had bravely boarded that ship to the U.K.

In just his first few meetings, listening to childhood stories and uncovering the excitement behind the unexpected journey, Douglas was exhilarated.