‘Men with Brooms’: A Canadian Curling Cult Comedy
Paul Gross directs and stars in this 2002 Canadian romantic comedy that brought the sport of curling to the forefront of popular culture. Men with Brooms, also featuring Leslie Nielsen and Molly Parker, remains a beloved film for its quirky humor and heartwarming story.
Synopsis
Men with Brooms centers on a reunited curling team from a small Canadian town as they navigate life’s challenges and compete in a bonspiel – a curling tournament – to honor their late coach, Donald Foley. Foley’s will stipulates that the team must win the Golden Broom by placing a stone containing his ashes on the button, adding a unique and poignant layer to their quest.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Paul Gross
- Starring: Paul Gross, Leslie Nielsen, Connor Price, Peter Outerbridge, Kari Matchett, Molly Parker, Polly Shannon
- Writers: Paul Gross, John Krizanc, Paul Quarrington
- Producers: Robert Lantos
Production and Box Office
The film, produced by Robert Lantos, had a budget of $7.5 million CAD and grossed approximately $4.2 million CAD at the box office.1 Men with Brooms was released on March 8, 2002, in Canada.
Cultural Impact and Cameos
Men with Brooms is notable for its portrayal of Canadian culture and the sport of curling. The Tragically Hip, a popular Canadian rock band, makes a cameo appearance as a competing curling rink representing their hometown of Kingston, Ontario.1 Jeff Stoughton, a three-time Brier champion, also appears, demonstrating his signature “spin-o-rama” shot.1
Television Adaptation
A television adaptation of Men with Brooms debuted on CBC Television on October 4, 2010, for the 2010-11 television season.1
Plot Details
The story begins with Donald Foley retrieving curling stones from a lake. His subsequent death and the unusual condition in his will set the stage for the film’s central conflict. Chris Cutter, the team’s skip, had previously abandoned his team and fiancée, Julie Foley (Donald’s daughter), ten years prior after a curling mishap, leading to a complex emotional journey throughout the film.1
Reception
Men with Brooms received a 5.9/10 rating on IMDb.2
1 Wikipedia – Men with Brooms
2 IMDb – Men with Brooms