Margaret's Museum (1995)

Margaret MacNiel, a girl living in a Cape Breton coal mining town, finds her life changing when she meets Neil Currie, a cheerful bagpipe-playing dishwasher. Unfortunately, neither of them are able to escape the industry around them.

Director:

Mort Ransen

Writers:

Sheldon Currie (story "The Glace Bay Miner's Museum"), Gerald Wexler

Stars:

Helena Bonham Carter, Kate Nelligan, Clive Russell

10 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Helena Bonham Carter	...	Margaret MacNeil
Clive Russell	...	Neil Currie
Craig Olejnik	...	Jimmy MacNeil
Kate Nelligan	...	Catherine MacNeil
Kenneth Welsh	...	Angus MacNeil
Andrea Morris	...	Marilyn
Peter Boretski	...	Grandfather Dunald MacNeil
Barrie Dunn	...	Mr. Campbell
Norma Dell'Agnese	...	Mrs. Campbell
Glenn Wadman	...	Willy
Elizabeth Richardson	...	Sister
Ida Donovan	...	Sarah
Gordon Joe	...	Hum Sing
Wayne Reynolds	...	Fraser
Murdoch MacDonald	...	Clerk

Storyline

In a town where half the men die down the coalpit, Margaret MacNeil is quite happy being single. Until she meets Neil Currie, a charming and sincere bagpipe-playing, Gaelic-speaking dishwasher. But no matter what you do, you can't avoid the spectre of the pit forever.

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Plot Keywords:

male nudity | alliteration in title | two word title | name in title | female name in title | 

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Taglines:

She found a way to preserve her memories forever.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some sexuality

Did You Know?

Quotes

Margaret MacNeil: Who died?
Catherine MacNeil: [about the funeral] It don't matter, I go to 'em all. It's cheaper than bingo and the grub's better.

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Connections

Featured in Weird Sex and Snowshoes: A Trek Through the Canadian Cinematic Psyche (2004)

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Soundtracks

Put Me in the Big Chest
(traditional)
Performed by Jenipher Roland

User Reviews

Helena Bonham Carter the actress

A wonderful story about relationship and family, Margaret's Museum is a moving story that has more to do than love. The setting of Nova Scotia makes the theme of the film more gritty than if it took place in a more modern atmosphere. Starting their family and their marriage from scratch, the building of their home and their careers are shown as the "young" couple try hard to do things right. Helena Bonham Carter is the star of the film as she portrays Margaret. Throughout the film we see her transition as a woman and a wife. Many actors are known for their physical qualities as oppose to their acting talents. Some actors have very little if not zero acting talent, but are very beautiful and are willing to showcase their assets. Helena Bonham Carter has shown much of herself on the big screen throughout the years. Still, along with her physical beauty, Carter has become an amazing actress. Even though there are moments in this film where she showcases her body for the delight of the audience, she remains a strong actress overall with her true talent of being a great actress.

Details

Country:

Canada UK

Language:

English Scottish Gaelic Cantonese

Release Date:

26 January 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Margaret's Museum

Filming Locations:

Dominion, Nova Scotia, Canada

Box Office

Gross USA:

$524,963

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Screen Productions, Ciné Télé Action, Glace Bay Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color