Amanita Pestilens (partially found Canadian horror film; 1963)
A still from the film.
Status: Partially Found
Amanita Pestilens is a 1963 Canadian psychological horror film directed by René Bonnière, starring Jacques Labrecque and Huguette Oligny.
Plot
The plot concerns a Montreal resident who develops a strange obsession with a strange, seemingly indestructible fungus that is rapidly destroying his previously perfectly-maintained lawn.
Behind the Scenes
The working title for Amanita Pestilens was Ville-Jolie[1]. In addition to being Canada's first color film, Amanita Pestilens is notable for being the first Canadian production to be shot in both French and English while maintaining the same cast. It is also an early role for noteworthy Quebecois actress Geneviève Bujold, who plays the protagonist's daughter. Despite these innovations and cast, the film was a commercial failure when first released in 1963 and never received a video release on any format.
Later Screenings
It was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and broadcast on both West and East German television for a brief period of time. Afterwards, the film fell into obscurity, and it only occasionally resurfaces for screenings.
Its only known televised appearance was on the Moviepix channel on May 10, 1998.
Currently, Amanita Pestilens is available for rental on VHS at the Library and Archives of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario.[2] According to a 2017 Letterboxd review of the movie, the VHS is deteriorated and "looks like it was made in the 80s." [3]
On March 28th, 2024, YouTube user Green Halo Posted 24 minutes of footage from the film, its currently unclear were he obtained it.
Footage
Gallery
Film Still #1 from Amanita Pestilens (courtesy of eBay user vanburenantiques) .
Film Still #2 from Amanita Pestilens (courtesy of eBay user vanburenantiques) .
Film Still #3 from Amanita Pestilens (courtesy of eBay user vanburenantiques) .
Film Still #4 from Amanita Pestilens (courtesy of eBay user vanburenantiques) .
Film Still #5 from Amanita Pestilens (courtesy of eBay user vanburenantiques) .
