Strangers in Good Company (1990)

A busload of women become stranded in an isolated part of the Canadian countryside. As they await rescue, they reflect on their lives through a mostly ad-libbed script.

Director:

Cynthia Scott

Writers:

Gloria Demers, Cynthia Scott (with)

Stars:

Alice Diabo, Constance Garneau, Beth Webber

4 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Alice Diabo	...	Alice
Beth Webber	...	Beth
Catherine Roche	...	Catherine
Cissy Meddings	...	Cissy
Constance Garneau	...	Constance
Mary Meigs	...	Mary
Michelle Sweeney	...	Michelle
Winifred Holden	...	Winnie

Storyline

A bus breaks down in the wilderness. Seven elderly women,average age 71 and one 27 year old are stranded at a deserted farmhouse. The have only their wits, their memories, and eventually some roasted frogs' legs, to sustain them. Through the long days and nights this remarkable group of strangers share their life stories and exchange intimate thoughts; turning the crisis into a magical time of humor and spirit. Featuring non-professional actors and spontaneous dialogue, this memorable film dissolves the barrier between fiction and reality, weaving a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage.

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | feminist film | school bus | car trouble | bird watching | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes the middle of nowhere can lead to the most beautiful of places.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie was mostly ad-libbed by the women, all talking about their real lives.

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Crazy Credits

And a Special Thanks to all those who Participated in the Research and Casting of this Film

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Soundtracks

Clarinet Trio in B Flat, Op. 11 Adagio
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven (as Ludwig von Beethoven')

User Reviews

Tea for eight.

This film will ring true to those of us who spent childhood afternoons with batty maiden aunts. Though batty maiden aunts vary in personality, temperament, and social skills you're sure to find one that is familiar because you have a whole busload to choose from. This beautifully shot and laconically paced film is sort of a rambling walk through the pasts of a group of older women from various backgrounds who get temporarily stranded in an isolated spot in Canada. Though the personalities of the characters are a little as-to-be-expected, the acting is guileless and the dialogue completely natural. Prepare to have your curiosity peaked about medicinal herbs, pornographic boot jacks, and the hunting habits of Cissy's cat. The only device I found a little annoying was the stopping of the action to show off old photos from the women's lives. It bothered me at the time, but looking back I understand what they were trying to do and even feel a little nostalgic about it; which, of course, is utterly appropriate. It's definitely off the beaten track, not either as flamboyant or banal as art films are want to be. But, In Good Company is definitely a well made piece worthy of a larger audience.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

1990 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Strangers in Good Company

Filming Locations:

Québec, Canada

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,002,689

Company Credits

Production Co:

National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Bedford Entertainment, First Run Features

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor) Color