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Oscar® Winner, Best Short Film (Live Action), 1979

Bravery in the Field

1979 28 min
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This dramatic film introduces us to Tommy, a World War II veteran who rooms alone, waiting for his pension cheque to arrive, passing the time in the evenings with his cronies in the Legion Hall. Lennie can claim only a third of Tommy's years, but he prowls the same area of town, and the two have more in common than either of them realizes. Both their lives lack a sense of place and purpose. The story occurs early in November and leads up to an event that provides one of Tommy's few remaining moments of glory, the annual veterans' Remembrance …

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This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Bravery in the Field

Details

This dramatic film introduces us to Tommy, a World War II veteran who rooms alone, waiting for his pension cheque to arrive, passing the time in the evenings with his cronies in the Legion Hall. Lennie can claim only a third of Tommy's years, but he prowls the same area of town, and the two have more in common than either of them realizes. Both their lives lack a sense of place and purpose. The story occurs early in November and leads up to an event that provides one of Tommy's few remaining moments of glory, the annual veterans' Remembrance Day parade.

This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
  • director
    Giles Walker
  • producer
    Roman Kroitor
    Stefan Wodoslawsky
  • executive producer
    Roman Kroitor
  • script
    Alexander Bremner
    Giles Walker
    Ian MacNeill
    John Kent Harrison
  • camera
    Savas Kalogeras
  • sound
    Ted Haley
  • editing
    Les Halman
    Susan Shanks
  • sound editing
    Abbey Jack Neidik
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • music
    Ben Low
  • cast
    Les Rubie
    Matt Craven
    Kent Gallie
    John Cail
    Budd Knapp

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Education

Ages 14 to 17
Study Guide
School subjects
How does a random act of violence end up contributing to changes in Lennie's life? What are the factors that led to this violence? Lennie tries to make amends to Tommy. Does it work? What did he want in return? What does Tommy want? Have students discuss how this could have played out had the two men sat down and talked. What would they each say to the other? Have students role play their encounter.
Bravery in the Field
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