vinciegirl This movie allowed the viewer to gain some insight into life in the prairies. It is used in many classrooms as a tool which discusses information on the 1930s. The movie also contains some humour, even if it was corny.However the movie lacks strong does not expand on certain issues. For instance, it would have been interesting to know how many persons came out West during the depression. Or how this migration affected the prairies. Providing these details would have made the movie more informative to watch.VG

tvnone In my opinion, this movie is good to describe the 1930's Depression in the Praries because it exactly describes the way people had to live in those times, especially when the snow and dust storms arrive. Also the people had to "catch" gophers because they always ruin the farmers crops. Because the people couldn't grow the crops, they almost couldn't afford anything. This caused poverty and many people left the Praries. So they couldn't hire school teachers for education, etc. So in other words, this movie is good for a history class that is covering the 1920's-1930's depression because it gives an accurate description of the events in the prairies.

Rovin This film was about a teacher who moves to a rural community--and has trouble adjusting to his class--made up of farmers' children. My problem with it is that like so many Canadian films, it gets dull, and takes sharp twists in the narrative that just dont make any sense.SPOILER: Bud Cort's character has alot of trouble trying to win over the rustic students...and then, suddenly--the children decide to go rush outside and chase prairie dogs to rip off their tails! Somehow, this wins over the teacher--who suddenly loves his class!It was an inappropriate change of heart in the teacher--not supported by the actions of the children...and explaining it away as "quirky" or "off-beat" simply doesnt work. END SPOILER

Richard Maurer (ram-30) The film WHY SHOOT THE TEACHER? stars American Bud Cort, star of many Robert Altman classics, and British actress Samantha Eggar. Other than that, the film is truly Canadian. The story, based on the autobiography of Max Braithwaite, is a humourous, entertaining slice of life in the Canadian Dust Bowl. It's as good as any other film to clearly show the extent that the Great Depression had in rural communities. The production, cast, props, etc., make this an excellent period piece of the 1930s. Many of the co-stars are amateurs but this only emphasizes the realism of the picture. Overall, if you need to show someone a video about the Great Depression, and you don't have access to THE GRAPES OF WRATH, then WHY SHOOT THE TEACHER? will be a worthy substitute.