NFB Collection
The Umpire
198517 minFilm: Fiction, Children's film
Direction: Paul Shapiro
Production: John KramerJohn Spotton
Script: Paul ShapiroJack Blum
This short dramatic film for children, told from the point of view of a nine-year-old boy, explores the subject of parental separation. Intended to promote discussion and encourage children to express their feelings, the story is set on the morning that Phillip Hudson learns his parents are splitting up. When his father's absence puts the Saturday morning baseball game in jeopardy, Phillip's determination saves the day. In a warm and entertaining fashion, The Umpire shows a boy dealing with a painful situation in a resourceful and constructive way.
Availability
Other versions
Subject categories
- Psychology and Psychiatry > ChildrenCoping with ProblemsEmotional LifeFamily Life
- Families > ChildrenDivorce and Separation
- Children and Youth > Divorce and Separation
Credits
- director
- Paul Shapiro
- producer
- John Kramer
- executive producer
- John Spotton
- script
- Paul Shapiro
- Jack Blum
- cinematography
- Rene Ohashi
- sound
- Tom Hidderley
- editing
- James Lahti
- re-recording
- Wally Weaver
- music
- Jonathan Goldsmith
- cast
- René Carlisle
- Keith Dutson
- Michael Fantini
- Ian Heath
- Arlene Mazerolle
- Paul Carswell
- Tony Cotroneo
- Jeff Chong
- Shay Kangro
- Jason Kramer
- Dorion Davis
- Michael Moore
- Richard Mills
- Jeremiah McCann
Awards
- First Place - Category: Human RelationsNational Educational Media Network Competition
- Red Ribbon Award - Category: Children's FictionItinerant - American Film and Video Festival