Lucien Rivard (June 16, 1915 – February 3, 2002) was a Quebec criminal known for a sensational prison escape in 1965.[1]
Background
Rivard had been engaged in robbery and smuggling drugs since the 1940s.[1] He has been described as a "petty crook"[2] in his early years, but in the 1950s he moved to Cuba and operated a casino, and became involved in the heroin business. In 1958 he moved back to Laval, Quebec, and operated the business "Domaine Idéal" to continue dealing drugs and weapons.[2]
In 1965, Rivard was in a Montreal prison, but used a water hose to climb a wall and escape. He was missing for four months before being caught and extradited to the United States.[1] During his absence, he wrote letters to various people, telling the Prime Minister of CanadaLester B. Pearson "Life is short, you know. I don't intend to be in jail for the rest of my life."[3]
The escape inspired the song "The Gallic Pimpernel."[2] In addition, the Canadian Press voted Rivard the Canadian Newsmaker of the Year for 1965 - the first time a convicted criminal had been given that title.[4] In 2006, it was announced that the Quebec government would help sponsor the film The American Trap (Le piège américain), to be directed by Charles Binamé with Rémy Girard to play Lucien Rivard.[5]
The escape also inspired the song "A Government Inquiry" by The Brothers-in-Law in their album Oh, Oh Canada (Arc A636), and comedian Rich Little to parody Prime Minister Lester Pearson singing "Old Man Rivard".
References
^ abcd"Man who triggered Pearson scandal dies". Daily Mercury. Guelph, Ontario. February 14, 2002. p. A.11.
^ abcHustak, Alan (February 14, 2002). "Rivard rocked Ottawa: Drug-smuggler and escape artist dies peacefully at 83". The Gazette. Montreal, Quebec. p. A.4.
^ abHa, Tu Thanh (February 14, 2002). "Montreal mobster nearly sank Liberals". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ontario. p. A.3.
^"Newsmakers since 1946". Trail Times. Trail, B.C. December 27, 2001. p. 13.
^"Six Quebec films get green light". The Gazette. Montreal, Quebec. December 3, 2006. p. A.29.