Reviews
The Loon's Necklace (1949)
Pure Canadiana!
This short 16 mm film was part of a series made by Crawley Films and the NFB. It was standard "showing" in elementary schools of the Protestant School Commission of Greater Montreal. I have never forgotten it, particularly the "cry" of the loon. Because of this movie, I am certain no one of my generation was ignorant of why the 'loon' was stamped on our $1.00 coin. Today's students don't know why the loon is there at all. We also all remember that the story of the "necklace" is an Indian Tale, and tell-tale of the beautiful markings of this bird which might look like a duck, but doesn't sound like one! The film is respectful of Indian legend. In my Montreal world of the 40's and 50's children were not raised with any prejudice against aboriginal people, and I remember going to a theatre in Westmount to hear a talk by "Chief Poking Fire" (who was, I suppose, comparable to the West Coast's "Chief Dan George").
The Juggler of Notre Dame (1982)
Available on DVD
This is indeed a very engaging retelling of this classic tale. Carl Carlsson, professional juggler, proves a very competent actor as well. Although filming techniques have advanced greatly since 1984, the approach here is well matched to the mature themes of this story. Shot in California, the modern setting has a "timeless" quality to it that brings home the perennial message of this "play". I don't believe any viewer will fail to be touched profoundly.
I have purchased this in DVD format for a school library, and will probably recommend it for junior high and up. The DVD was released through Gateway Films/Vision Video. Check out www.visionvideo.com.
Padre Pio (2000)
Padre Pio Film by Carlo Carlei
This film is available on DVD from Ignatius Press in San Francisco ($24.95 US) www.ignatius.com Its title is Padre Pio: Miracle Man. The Priest Who Bore the Wounds of Christ.
The promo reads: This major feature film drama captures the incredible life of the famous stigmatic monk and saint who died in 1968. It reveals Padre Pio's intense faith and devotion, his deep spiritual concern for others, and his great compassion for the sick and suffering. It dramatizes the frequent attacks by the Devil on him, and the persecution he suffered at the hands of people, including those in the Church. The many miracles he performed are also highlighted, as well as his profound humility, charity and sense of humor. Starring Sergio Castellitto....this is an outstanding epic film on the amazing life of this great saint. (subtitles or dubbed)
Theatre Night: The Winslow Boy (1989)
The Play's the Thing
Other commentators have captured many of the excellent attributes of this 1988 British TV production of Terence Rattigan's play "The Winslow Boy". This production is the play, not a movie based on the play (as is Anthony Asquith's 1948 B&W movie with Robert Donat). The script is brilliant. All the action occurs in one room, and Rattigan cleverly conveys all that happens elsewhere through the dialogue of the persons in that room at one time or another. The acting is superlative. I would say the only weak point would be that Ronnie's speech is very rapid (and very suitable for a young lad his age, under stress!)which makes it somewhat difficult to get all his words at times.
Rattigan not only zeros in on the reactions and interactions of the people affected by Ronnie's dismissal and the question of "innocent until proved guilty", but if you listen carefully, you will hear Arthur say some pretty perceptive lines about "the individual vs the state".
I taped the PBS broadcast (1990?)and am captivated by this rendition every time I watch my video.
Nobody Waved Good-bye (1964)
Gripping realism, spontaneous acting.
I saw this film in 1965. It is very "Canadian" and depicts Toronto at a time when it was still basically a WASP city (before Yorkville). Note that actors Peter and Julie have the same name as their characters. They play two teens who fall in love, and she becomes pregnant.The treatment of this dilemma and the family dynamics is very realistic, enhanced by the black/white photography. If my memory serves me, there was no set script for this film; the actors developed their own lines. One is left with the feeling of having witnessed the real-life tensions in the lives of the people on the screen. Unlike "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", this story of young love in difficulty is stark and realistic. There is not much sense of romance or beauty. It is gripping.
One Potato, Two Potato (1964)
Gripping Treatment of Black/White Racial Issues
I saw this film at the Montreal Film Festival in 1964. Didn't know any of the actors at the time, but the film was excellent in script and execution. Black and white photography adds to the tension centered around custody of children born of a white mother and black father. I can still see the final scene with the children's faces pressed against the rear car window, and this 36 years later.