The Wars
Synopsis
Robert Ross (Brent Carver) lives a protected adolescence in a well-off Toronto suburb. Secretive and withdrawn, he shares his thoughts only with his sister Rowena (Anne-Marie MacDonald) who is mentally disabled. He feels compassion for his weak and conventional father. He avoids any confrontation with his mother (Martha Henry), a dominating woman whose despondency at having given birth to a handicapped child has turned to bitterness. Rowena occupies a central position in Robert's existence of daydreams and make-believe. When she dies, Robert clashes openly with his family, and decides to take himself in hand. It's 1914. He enrolls in the Canadian army, and, after training in Alberta and Montreal, he finds himself in England and France. The war becomes another way for him to resolve his conflicts, his dramas, his passions--his wars.
Top Cast
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Brent Carver
Robert Ross
Kirsten Bishop
Peggy Ross
Jackie Burroughs
Miss Davenport
Shirley Douglas
Mrs. Lawson
William Hutt
Mr. Ross
Domini Blythe
Lady Barbara d'Orsey
Margaret Tyzack
Lady Emmeline
Jean LeClerc
Captain Taffler
Ann-Marie MacDonald
Rowena Ross
Alan Scarfe
Captain Leather
Susan Wright
Ella
David Robb
Major Terry
Barbara Budd
Nurse Turner
Richard Austin
Michael
Rodger Barton
Charles
Richard Curnock
Minister
Paul Batten
Poole
Rod Beattie
Levitt
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robin Phillips
- Screenplay & Story
- Timothy Findley
- Original Score
- Glenn Gould
- Original Title
- The Wars
- Country of Origin
- Canada, Germany
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Studios
- Nielsen-Ferns, Polyphon
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robin Phillips
Timothy Findley
Glenn Gould
John Coquillon
Tony Lower
Robert Verrall, Richard Nielsen
Department Leadership Roster
Timothy Findley
Writer
Robin Phillips
Director
Richard Nielsen
Producer
John Coquillon
Director of Photography
Tony Lower
Editor
Glenn Gould
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Wars.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Wars.
War: World War I
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Wars
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Wars about?
Robert Ross (Brent Carver) lives a protected adolescence in a well-off Toronto suburb. Secretive and withdrawn, he shares his thoughts only with his sister Rowena (Anne-Marie MacDonald) who is mentally disabled. He feels compassion for his weak and conventional father. He avoids any confrontation with his mother (Martha Henry), a dominating woman whose despondency at having given birth to a handicapped child has turned to bitterness. Rowena occupies a central position in Robert's existence of daydreams and make-believe. When she dies, Robert clashes openly with his family, and decides to take himself in hand. It's 1914. He enrolls in the Canadian army, and, after training in Alberta and Montreal, he finds himself in England and France. The war becomes another way for him to resolve his conflicts, his dramas, his passions--his wars.
Who directed The Wars?
The Wars was directed by Robin Phillips.
Who stars in The Wars?
The principal cast of The Wars includes Brent Carver, Kirsten Bishop, Jackie Burroughs, Shirley Douglas, William Hutt.
When was The Wars released and how long is it?
The Wars was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
Who composed the musical score for The Wars?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Wars was composed by Glenn Gould.