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.
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."
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 Award Year Category Recipient Result Ref(s) Canadian Film Awards 1969 Film of the Year John Kemeny, Barrie Howells, Peter Pearson Maria Topalovich, And the Genie Goes To...: Celebrating 50 Years of the Canadian Film Awards. Stoddart Publishing, 2000. . pp. 111-114. Best Television Drama Best Actor, Non-Feature Chris Wiggins Best Direction Peter Pearson Best Screenplay Joan Finnegan Best Black-and-White Cinematography Tony Ianzelo Best Editing, Non-Feature Michael McKennirey Best Art Direction Michael Milne
Filming locations
The farm locations, dance hall and river scenes were shot at Barryvale, Ontario. The downtown scenes were shot in Renfrew, Ontario.
References
Works cited
External links