Vancouver a half-century ago. Cherub-faced goon Charlie (Alan Scarfe) has just emerged from an extended stay in reform school and hits Hastings Street. With no money, no prospects and no one to care about him he is the poster boy for recidivism in the Canadian justice system.
Charlie didn't rat on his friends but they still don't cut him any slack. Most of them are hooked on drugs and put their habits ahead of people. A crime boss procures a hooker for him and fronts him some money to do a job. Charlie's pattern makes for a revolving door to jail - seemingly the only door open to him.
The Downtown East Side in Vancouver where this was set and shot remains pretty much the nest of drugs and crime it was when this insightful, beautifully staged and photographed short film was made about it in 1962. That is why after 45 years on the shelf until it's 2007 release it was still socially relevant. Many would say Hastings Street is even worse now.
This film also marked the first screen appearance for veteran Canadian actors Alan Scarfe and Scott Hylands.
Charlie didn't rat on his friends but they still don't cut him any slack. Most of them are hooked on drugs and put their habits ahead of people. A crime boss procures a hooker for him and fronts him some money to do a job. Charlie's pattern makes for a revolving door to jail - seemingly the only door open to him.
The Downtown East Side in Vancouver where this was set and shot remains pretty much the nest of drugs and crime it was when this insightful, beautifully staged and photographed short film was made about it in 1962. That is why after 45 years on the shelf until it's 2007 release it was still socially relevant. Many would say Hastings Street is even worse now.
This film also marked the first screen appearance for veteran Canadian actors Alan Scarfe and Scott Hylands.
