Ted Allan: Minstrel Boy of the 20th Century

2002· 47 min· Documentary

From humble beginnings in Montreal’s scrappy St Urbain neighbourhood, Ted Allan (1916-1995) would become one of Canada’s most distinctive writing talents and raconteurs, authoring numerous books, plays and screenplays, most notably, Lies My Father Told Me. This fascinating documentary offers a detailed portrait of a unique individual, from his journey to Spain to fight the fascists to his collaboration with John Cassavetes. Featuring footage of Allan’s staged readings, his musings on his lengthy career and interviews with friends and family, including actress Gena Rowlands, writer Stanley Mann and director Ted Kotcheff.

Cast: Christopher Plummer

Director: Tanya Ballantyne Tree