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The Things I Cannot Change

The Things I Cannot Change

8,7 /10 (3 Votes)
1967 EN 55 min

Overview

"This feature documentary is considered to be the forerunner of the NFB's Challenge for Change Program. The film offers in inside look at 3 weeks in the life of the Bailey family. Trouble with the police, begging for stale bread, and the birth of another child are just some of the issues they face. Through it all, the father tries to explain his family's predicament. Although filmed in Montreal, the film offers an anatomy of poverty as it occurs throughout North America." - NFB

Release date

01/01/1967

Votes

3

Popularity

0.2

Genres

Status

Released

Language

EN

Runtime

55 min

Website

www.nfb.ca

Original Soundtrack

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CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

2026-05-06

⭐ 6

This intimately photographed and unscripted feature allows us to spend a few weeks wth the Bailey family in a Montreal that seems unsympathetic to their growing array of problems. Dad is a bit flaky and a cook, when he can find work, whilst his more stoic and expectant wife remains at their over-crowded home looking after their nine children. The oldest is twelve and though they do receive some government assistance, it's nowhere near enough to feed this family that will soon consist of twelve souls. He is a temperamental gent. He has been in trouble with the police - but he isn't a violent ma…

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