At first I thought that this was another dumb Canadian film financed by my tax money. Then it occurred to me that there was quite a bit in this film that was realistic and hard hitting. Anyone born after the 1960's won't appreciate that the negative attitude of everyone to a girl getting pregnant out of wedlock portrayed in this movie was the norm in Canada during the war and into the 50's. Nobody's being hypocritical. That's the way it was.
The old men and misfits who were pressed into Canada's "Zombie Army" to guard prisoners is also authentic.
The movie is quite authentic in its portrayal of a crummy town in the Maritimes. No, it's not Ontario. The accents are all Maritime except for Ms. Kane and Ms. Case, who are too American to fit the scenery. That's not to disparage their acting which is perfect for the characters they portray. Donald Pleasance does not exaggerate his accent. That's how people talk "down east".
Where the movie goes astray is in the economy of the wartime years. There is reference to food shortages but there seems to be no shortage of Scotch and beer. Also, the store that Jeannie robs looks exactly like a Woolworth's store of the era except that the shelves are brimming with things to sell. That was not the case. Finally, Sandy doesn't seem to have any problem getting tires (unobtainable) and gasoline (rationed) during the war years.
Give this movie more than 10 minutes of attention if it comes on late night TV in your area.
