Who Has Seen the Wind is a 1977 Canadian drama film directed by Allan King and written by Patricia Watson. The film is an adaptation of W. O. Mitchell's influential novel Who Has Seen the Wind. It was the first narrative feature film ever directed by King, who was previously known primarily as a documentary filmmaker."Allan King, 79: Pioneer filmmaker directed Warrendale". Toronto Star, June 16, 2009.
The film stars Brian Painchaud as Brian O'Connall, with a supporting cast including Douglas Junor, Patricia Hamilton, Gordon Pinsent, Helen Shaver, Chapelle Jaffe, Charmion King, Leslie Carlson, Hugh Webster and José Ferrer.
Although Painchaud received positive critical attention for his performance, it was the only film he ever made before his death in 1986.
Synopsis The story revolves around Brian (Brian Painchaud), a young boy who lives a magical life on the Canadian prairies catching prairie dogs and playing with friends. The magic ends when his father (Gordon Pinsent) falls ill, and he witnesses the harsh realities of adult life. This coming-of-age story provides a poignant look at life on the prairies during the Great Depression.
Cast Brian Painchaud as Brian O'Connal Douglas Junor as The Young Ben Patricia Hamilton as Miss MacDonald Gordon Pinsent as Gerald O'Connal Chapelle Jaffe as Maggie O'Connal Nan Stewart as Mrs. MacMurray Helen Shaver as Ruth Thompson Cedric Smith as Dr. Svarich Lynda Laurence as Mariel (credited as Linda Leitch) Billy Hunter as Forbsie Chris Raum as Artie David Gardner as Reverend Powelly Charmion King as Mrs. Abercrombie Jose Ferrer as The Ben Ed McNamara as Saint Sammy Vern Brooks as Milt Palmer Thomas Hauff as Principal Jim Digby Leslie Carlson as Joe Pivott (credited as Les Carlson) Hugh Webster as Ab Sandy Webster as Judge Mortimer Ches Robertson as Mayor Neally Frank Scherr as Ed Harris Gerard Parkes as Uncle Sean J. Vernon Buller as Jake Harris Susan Wowk as Annie Ed Yee as Wong Litty Meikle as Mrs. Ben Cinthia Yee as Tang William Fung as Voole Michael Peters as Bobbie William Hubbard as Mr. Abercrombie
Production W. O. Mitchell was paid $11,000 () for the film rights to Who Has Seen the Wind. The film was shot from 30 August to 15 October 1976, on a budget of $1,120,000 () and $300,000 () of the film's budget came from the Saskatchewan government.
Release The film was released in Arcola, Saskatchewan, on 20 October 1977, and was distributed by Astral Films in Canada and Janus Films in the United States.
Reception The film was awarded the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's Golden Reel Award in 1978 as the top-grossing Canadian film of the previous year, with a gross of $1.2 million. It was nominated for a Gold Hugo (Best Feature) at the 1978 Chicago International Film Festival.
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