The Vintagent Classics: The films that inspired us.

SATAN’S CHOICE (1966)

Run Time: 28:00
Producer: The National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Director: Donald Shebib
Key Cast: Howard Doyle Berry, Lorne Campbell, Bernie Guindon

FILM MAKERS

Director Donald Shebib is most well known for his 1970 film ‘Goin’ Down The Road‘ which, despite the small production budget, is generally regarded as one of the best and most influential Canadian films of all time and has received considerable critical acclaim for its writing, directing and acting. It tells the story of two young men who decide to leave the Maritimes, where jobs and fulfilling lives are hard to find, for the excitement and perceived riches of Toronto. Donald Shebib passed away in late 2023, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the landscape of Canadian cinema.

*Shebib is now known to a new generation as the father of famed Drake producer Noah “40” Shebib. Drake sampled a snippet of dialogue from Satan’s Choice on his track “Lose You”.

SUMMARY

Made for the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Satan’s Choice is a rare “inside” view of a motorcycle club in Toronto. The names they adopt (Satan’s Choice is only one) are as individual as their special ethics and views of life, all freely expressed in this film. A second Satan’s Choice short film was made in 1967 with the same title, also made for NFB. This TV short followed the club’s evolving story and focused heavily on a criminal trial involving several of the members featured in the first film, though I have yet to track it down. Stay tuned!

RELATED MEDIA

Watch more Canadian cinema for free at NFB

Watch the full Film ‘Goin’ Down The Road‘ for free on Youtube.

Classics documentary Film