The Violin

I always wanted to learn to play the piano as a child but we didn't have one (nor room) so I was encouraged to take up the violin. The sounds we hear here about five minutes into this drama were about the size of my skills too, as a young lad struggles to play an instrument that wasn't the one he really wanted from the pawnbrokers. Frustrated, he (mercifully) bins the thing only for it to be found by narrator and accomplished violinist Maurice Solway who shows what can be done when it's in the right, loving, hands. Set amidst a pretty tough and snowy winter, this is quite a touching little drama about dreams and aspirations, and the younger of the two boys is quite endearing as his ears are put through a sort of auditory torture time and time again. Things improve over time and as the youngster becomes more adept and skilful, the sounds become more melodic and less of a musical form of torture for their scene-stealing younger friend who all too frequently has to run and hide (and save the odd goose!). The ending seems a little unnecessarily maudlin and isn't really explained, but it's still quite an engagingly simple story with a touch of fairy godfather to it.

Touching story of a young boy who is inspired to play the violin by an aging master. This a great little piece of Canadiana film that I first saw as a kid in school. If you can find it at a library it's well worth viewing, just don't look for it out on DVD anytime soon ;-)

I actually remember when I was 9 years old I saw part of this movie. I didn't finish and left it at that. But it stuck in my head so that one day, years later, I attempted to find it but couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find this film anywhere. Well I've finally and boy am I glad about that! The film has a very homey and cozy feel to it. I can't help but feel at ease when I watch it. Like something to watch in a warm room on a rainy day. Moreover the beautiful Canadian winter really compliments the mood. The acting is also really good and can be powerful. There's no dialogue apart from the narration and I like that about it. There are at least two copies on YouTube so do yourself a favor and go check out this timeless, obscure gem.