'Cinema Canada' will bring to Hockeytown the story of Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, arguably the most brilliant and controversial player the sport of hockey has ever known.
The Rocket takes us through the exhilarating early days to the middle of Richard's career in the 1950's. From the very beginning, Maurice Richard had only one desire: to play hockey in the National Hockey League. After a long day at the factory, Richard would put on his skates and put his heart and soul into fulfilling his dream. Beyond his talent and agility, his passion and determination were legendary. He broke records on the ice and raised controversy off the ice. Maurice Richard's impact on hockey has been compared to that of Babe Ruth on baseball.
Veteran director Charles Biname's exciting biopic captures the gritty feel of the sport in the 40's and 50's, while also conveying the human side of Richard, his family, and his fellow players.
The Rocket was awarded nine Genies, Canada's equivalent of the Oscar, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Cinematography. CBC Radio Two said, "...The Rocket is great fun, a beautifully shot, carefully rendered tale of a legendary sports figure."
The Rocket will be screened on Monday evening, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Avenue (John R. Theatre entrance). ADMISSION IS FREE.
'Cinema Canada' is presented by the Consulate General of Canada-Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Arts, in celebration of Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day.
