The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar

The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar is a 1968 National Film Board of Canada drama directed by Peter Pearson, produced by John Kemeny and written by Joan Finnigan. The 49-minute drama stars Chris Wiggins and Kate Reid, along with Margot Kidder in her first feature role.[2]

The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar
Directed byPeter Pearson
Written byJoan Finnigan
Produced byJohn Kemeny
Barrie Howells
StarringChris Wiggins
Kate Reid
Margot Kidder
Paisley Maxwell
William Thourlby
Sandy Webster
Jon Granik
CinematographyTony Ianzelo
Edited byMichael McKennirey
Distributed byNational Film Board of Canada
Release date
  • 1968 (1968)
Running time
49 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
Budget$82,635[1]

Produced for the NFB's Challenge for Change program, the film had initially been "pushed aside and ignored by CBC TV," according to Canadian film scholar Gerald Pratley, who called it "A brilliant example of what our filmmakers could do if they had the opportunities and the material to replace the run-of-the-mill American films that dominate our theatres and television – the kind of inexpensive creativity private broadcasters continue to say they cannot afford."[3][4]

Synopsis

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One of the best English-Canadian docudramas from the 1960s, The Best Damn Fiddler is a realistic account of an itinerant bush worker (Chris Wiggins) living in the rural area of the Ottawa Valley who cannot make enough money to feed his large family but nevertheless rejects government handouts. The oldest daughter (Margot Kidder) eventually leaves home to find work and a better future.

Cast

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  • Chris Wiggins - Emery
  • Kate Reid - Glad
  • Margot Kidder - Rosie
  • Bill Thourlby - Adam
  • Paisley Maxwell - Miss Angelus
  • Sandy Webster - Doctor
  • Jon Granik - Interne
  • Liza Creighton - Spread
  • Paddy Moran - Carson

Awards

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Filming locations

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References

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  1. ^ Evans 1991, p. 163.
  2. ^ "The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar". Collection. National Film Board of Canada. 1968. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  3. ^ Pratley, Gerald (1987). Torn Sprockets. Mississauga: Associated University Presses. p. 103. ISBN 0-87413-194-4.
  4. ^ "The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar". Canadian Film Encyclopedia. Film Reference Library. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  5. ^ "The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar". Collection. National Film Board of Canada. 1968. Retrieved 2009-10-15.

Works cited

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