Movie idea: 1970 Montreal. Paul Almond - rising local film maker, 39 years old, divorced and remarried with 27 year old Quebecoise film star Genevieve Bujold - are at the top of the world and living with their newborn in one of Montreal's most beautiful mansions at 1212 Redpath Crescent. Both lovers sit at the pinnacle of their flim craft: she having recently starred in the world-beating Anne of the Thousand Days, he having directed the first installment of the to-become-famous 7UP documentary series and embarked on an ambitious three film trilogy with his wife.
But it all changed in October 1970 when they learned that a neighbour, the British Trade Commissioner James Cross had been kidnapped by separatist terrorists. The police are suspicious of all neighbours as they knew that the nationalist Bujold's mansion at the foot of the street was not only a good spot for a terrorist stakeout but was a frequent meeting place for artists, many who supported the separatist movement. Bujold's nationalist leanings lead to friction with husband Almond whose instincts as an English Montrealer tell him that the FLQ movement is a dangerous thing that will undermine the future of the city and province he calls home. Will they survive the rift or will it torpedo their marriage?
Interesting house.
ReplyDeleteI remember doing a suicide scene in part of that semi bldg about 25 years ago. The elderly victim, who was an antique collector, offed himself in the upstairs claw-footed bathtub, using a vintage pistol.
The interior of the place was dark and creepy. Huge, heavy medieval tapestries hung down on the walls beside the ornate wooden staircase, with suits of armour on the landings. Not a warm and happy place, then.
I often wonder what it looks like now, whenever I drive by.