A love story involving a Canadian professional hockey player and a hippie folk singer. Their union is tumultuous, as both try to come to terms with their differences in careers and lifestyles. Several National Hockey League players also appear in the film.
Art Hindle
Billy Duke
Trudy Young
Sherry Nelson
John Vernon
Fred Wares
Sean Sullivan
Greg Walsh
Vivian Reis
Grace Walsh
George Armstrong
Himself
Bruce Armstrong
Billy at age 3
Eric Cryderman
Father
Don Allen
Billy at age 11
Kay Hawtrey
Mother
Kathryn Carlling
Estelle at age 11
Steve Pernie
Joe MacMillian
Derek Sanderson
Himself
Frank Moore
Barney
George Ealsom
Max
Robin White
Bud
Perry Thompson
Garry
Austin Willis
Graydon Hunter
Mickey McReynolds
Walter
Les Pauley
Oldtimer
Lisa Wilder
Rock Fan
Susan Douglas
Mrs. Hunter
Laurie Pierce
Estelle at age 14
Joe Sgro
Leafs Trainer
Harold Ballard
Leafs Doctor
Carole Taylor
Walsh's Girl
Jack Van Evera
Cabbie
Scott Medderd
Police Officer
George Gross
Member Of The Press
Scott Young
Member Of The Press
Fergie Olver
Member Of The Press
Ken McKee
Member Of The Press
Larry Wilson
Member Of The Press
Ed Fitten
Member Of The Press
Director
George McCowan
Screenplay
George Robertson
March 27, 2015
10
Art Hindle stars as hot young rookie Billy Duke, who comes to Toronto from a small Ontario town to play for the Maple Leafs and coach Fred Wares (John Vernon). His aggressive play shakes up both the league, and local folk rocker Sherrie Lee Nelson (Trudy Young) digs Duke off the ice but can't handle his violent profession.
The film was produced by John F. Bassett, who is a pioneer in Canadian feature filmmaking, among other pursuits.
This was a project close to VSC President Jonathan Gross' heart; aside from being a true hockey fan, he spent years trying to get the copyright holders to offer up even a limited release. Considering this to be buried treasure, Gross believes the 1971 release of Face Off will inspire the same enchantment 40 years after its original release.
"All in all, the hockey action, shot in 35 mm, much of it during real games and integrated into the story line, is the real hidden treasure in Face Off," says Gross. "For the fan of a certain vintage it will be like uncorking a fine wine that has aged very well."
Leaf fans get about 20 minutes of action in Maple Leaf Gardens and on the road against legendary Original Six rivals of the 70s, including Detroit, Chicago and Boston in many bygone arenas. Dave Keon, Paul Henderson, Brian Glennie, Jim Dorey, Norm Ullman and a young Darryl Sittler are seen facing off against the likes of Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau while Leaf captain George "The Chief "Armstrong has a significant speaking part in the film, along with NHL bad boy Derek Sanderson.
VSC has restored the action-packed, cameo-filled classic from a 35mm print in the Toronto Film Reference Library archive and added commentary from Art Hindle, Trudy Young, and producer Harve Sherman.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$600,000.00
Revenue:
$600,000.00