The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar

Last updated
The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar
Directed by Peter Pearson
Written by Joan Finnigan
Produced by John Kemeny
Barrie Howells
Starring Chris Wiggins
Kate Reid
Margot Kidder
Paisley Maxwell
William Thourlby
Sandy Webster
Jon Granik
Cinematography Tony Ianzelo
Edited byMichael McKennirey
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada
Release date
  • 1968 (1968)
Running time
49 minutes
Country Canada
Language English
Budget$82,635 [1]

The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar is a 1968 National Film Board of Canada (NFB) 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]

Contents

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

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

Awards

AwardYearCategoryRecipientResultRef(s)
Canadian Film Awards 1969 Film of the Year John Kemeny, Barrie Howells, Peter Pearson Won [5]
Best Television DramaWon
Best Actor, Non-Feature Chris Wiggins Won
Best DirectionPeter PearsonWon
Best ScreenplayJoan FinneganWon
Best Black-and-White Cinematography Tony Ianzelo Won
Best Editing, Non-FeatureMichael McKennireyWon
Best Art DirectionMichael MilneWon

Filming locations

References

  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. Maria Topalovich, And the Genie Goes To...: Celebrating 50 Years of the Canadian Film Awards. Stoddart Publishing, 2000. ISBN   0-7737-3238-1. pp. 111-114.

Works cited