One of the most successful films ever made in Canada, Why Shoot the Teacher? was adapted from Max Braithwaite's novel by Edmonton's own James Defelice, and went on to commercial and critical success around the world. It relates the frustrating Depression-era plight of Max Brown (Bud Cort), a shy young teacher from the east who faces a particularly grueling first assignment: educating a motley crew of farmers' kids in a ramshackle one-room schoolhouse in the remote town of Willowgreen, Saskatchewan. Distrusted by the parents and alienated from his pupils, Max is further stymied by the wicked prairie winter, which holes him up in his tiny, trembling shack like a stranded, bespectacled gopher. Max's only friend is Alice Field (Samantha Eggar), an English war bride who shares his interests in poetry, theatre and films. Their friendship grows, but the relationship is halted by Alice's austere husband (Michael J. Reynolds). Gradually, Max finds ways of surviving in this alien environment and finally earns the respect of the children and their parents. Why Shoot the Teacher? was screened at the Festival de Cannes and had an extensive commercial release in Canada and abroad. It won a Genie Award for Adapted Screenplay (James DeFelice) and earned the Golden Reel Award for highest box-office receipts.
- Saturday September 30 at 7:00PM
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