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The Agony of Jimmy Quinlan
1978
27 min
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This short documentary follows Jimmy Quinlan, one of the estimated 5000 men and women who lived in the streets and alleys of Montreal in the late 1970s. The film casts a harsh light on the realities of life on the street, as Jimmy battles his addictions; sobriety is a goal he's tried to achieve before and will probably have to try again. In and out of shelters, Jimmy's life is anything but stable, but his unique personality shines through in this affecting portrait.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
This short documentary follows Jimmy Quinlan, one of the estimated 5000 men and women who lived in the streets and alleys of Montreal in the late 1970s. The film casts a harsh light on the realities of life on the street, as Jimmy battles his addictions; sobriety is a goal he's tried to achieve before and will probably have to try again. In and out of shelters, Jimmy's life is anything but stable, but his unique personality shines through in this affecting portrait.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
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producerRobert DuncanJanice BrownAndy Thomson
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directorGeorge MihalkaGeorge Williams
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scriptRobert DuncanJanice BrownAndy Thomson
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editingRobert DuncanJanice BrownAndy Thomson
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executive producerPeter Katadotis
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photographyRodney Gibbons
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soundDonald Cohen
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sound editingAbbey Jack Neidik
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re-recordingMichel Descombes
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narratorEarl Pennington
Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Students can research the term skid row, showing how it applies to some parts of large cities. Discuss Jimmy’s agony as depicted in the film; do students believe that he is capable of overcoming his demons? Discuss what his future might hold if he is successful. Suggest why his fellow alcoholics on the street do not support his choice to quit drinking.