Year: 1984
Language: English
Format: 16mm Colour
Runtime: 24 min
Director: Bruce Pittman
Producer: Andy Thomson, Janice Platt, Seaton McLean, Michael MacMillan
Executive Producer: Robert Verrall, Michael MacMillan
Writer: Joe Wiesenfeld, Sinclair Ross
Cinematographer: Savas Kalogeras
Editor: Margaret Eerdewijk
Sound: Jean-Pierre Joutel, Richard Besse, Adrian Croll
Music: Bruce Levy
Cast: Linda Goranson, August Schellenberg, Eric Peterson, Robert Michael, Daniel Nalbach, Len Watt
Production Company: National Film Board of Canada, Atlantis Films

Based on the short story by Canadian author Sinclair Ross, this dark and gripping period piece about love, infidelity, tragedy and regret takes place in the midst of a cold, bleak winter on the Canadian prairies.

During a fierce blizzard, Anne (Linda Goranson) stays alone in the family farmhouse while her husband John (August Schellenberg) leaves to help his ailing father. Their neighbour, Stephen (Eric Peterson), comes over to help Anne with the chores. By late evening, when it becomes clear that John will not return that night, Anne and Stephen sleep together. When she wakes the next morning, Anne realizes with horror the consequences of her impulsive betrayal.

The strong cast offers a touching and realistic portrayal of an unrequited love that, once set free, quickly comes crashing down. The Painted Door received an Academy Award® nomination for Live Action Short Film, echoing the earlier success of Atlantis Films’ Boys and Girls (1983).