Only a few movies have been filmed in our area. This one, whose name includes the hamlet of Kaladar was filmed primarily in Renfrew.

One of the best English-Canadian docudramas from the 1960s, The Best Damn Fiddler is a realistic account of an itinerant bush worker (Chris Wiggins) living in the rural area of the Ottawa Valley who can't make enough money to feed his large family but nevertheless rejects government handouts. The oldest daughter (Margot Kidder) eventually leaves home to find work and a better future.

Produced for the NFB's Challenge for Change program, the film had initially been "pushed aside and ignored by CBC TV," according to Canadian film scholar Gerald Pratley, who called it: "A brilliant example of what our filmmakers could do if they had the opportunities and the material to replace the run-of-the-mill American films that dominate our theatres and television – the kind of inexpensive creativity private broadcasters continue to say they cannot afford."

The Director is Peter Pearson.
The Cast includes: Margot Kidder (her very first movie), Kate Reid, Chris Wiggins, Paisley Maxwell, William Thourlby, Sandy Webster and Jon Granik.
1968, 49 minutes

The full movie can be viewed on the NFB website: www.nfb.ca/film/best_damn_fiddler_from_calabogie_to_kaladar/ or on the NFB YouTube Channel in 1080p resolution: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWb9PmeHkFM
The filming locations for the town was Renfrew, Ontario. Farm scenes were filmed in Barryvale, Ontario. The connection to Kaladar? Only the title?

Awards:
Diploma of Merit
International Film Festival
June 5 to 20 1970, Melbourne - Australia

Award for the Best Screenplay given to Joan Finnegan
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Award for Best Editing given to Michael McKennirey
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Etrog for for Best TV Drama
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Award for the Best Black and White Cinematography given to Tony Ianzelo
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Etrog for Best Art Direction given to Michael Milne
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Etrog for Best Performance by a Lead Actor given to Chris Wiggins
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Film of the Year
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Award for Best Direction given to Peter Pearson
Genie Awards
October 4 1969, Toronto - Canada

Info:

Owner: Cloyne & District Historical Society
Source: Flickr Commons
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