Maurice Richard: Histoire d'un Canadien

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THE ROCKE What a sorry sight,

what a tragedy!

Crowds are ransacking

the streets of Montreal.

St. Catherine St is being looted.

We might not be able

to broadcast

the end of the game

which was interrupted

after the first period.

There's no reason

why we cannot finish this game.

There's a riot outside.

We cannot afford to lose.

This is Detroit!

It's the end of the goddamn season!

We want everybody out.

The game is over!

Yellow-bellied...!

I am first and foremost

a hockey fan myself,

and I'm telling you right now,

this doesn't smell good.

They couldn't have picked

a worst time.

Obviously,

those hockey fans out there,

hockey fans who have spontaneously

transformed themselves

into looters and vandals

have all but forgotten

that the Canadiens

are trying to keep Detroit

out of first place.

Montreal, 1937

- The Duplessis Era -

Maurice!

We're meeting at my place.

They're spreading rumours of layoffs.

Don't believe them.

They're trying to scare us.

So they can earn

more money off us.

They blame the Depression,

but it's to intimidate us.

I can't.

See you tonight.

It's just hockey.

You don't have to come.

Need a hand?

Lucille, you're 13 years old.

We're 17.

You got heart. I like that.

I heard you work

'cause your folks are in need.

Is that right?

That's a shame. But hey,

I guess

at least you have a job.

What did you and Lveill

talk about?

Someone saw you

and Lveill talking.

Now, what did Lveill want?

Alright.

After your shift,

you stay for the trash

in the back.

First line...

Maurice, Laurier,

Bertrand.

Second:
Georges, St-Onge...

Stuart wants to coach the Royals.

The only team that beat us

is Auto Parts.

They're bigger,

so we have to outskate them.

I want to see you move!

Get going!

Hurry up!

Come on, Maurice!

Don't give up, guys! Keep at it!

Keep going!

Way to go!

You can do it!

Get over here!

Here, I said!

43 wins in 46 games...

That's a season

you'll always be proud of.

You'll crow that

for an entire season

10 punks from Lafontaine Park

terrorized the junior league.

But believe me...

Every time you start to brag,

people will ask you:

Did you win the finals?

Right now, it's no.

You have two minutes

to change the outcome.

This is about who you are!

Got it?

Bertrand, James, St-Onge,

Bernard!

Philippe! Let's go!

Don't talk to me!

Maurice! Maurice!

Go, Maurice!

Help yourselves!

Want to dance?

No.

- I'll show you.

- No.

- It's easy.

- No.

You can be such a moron!

My brother might not like me

being alone with you.

Don't you like parties?

You're not very chatty.

I don't make small talk.

Will you tell my brother

I kissed you?

World War ll -

He'll be right out.

Georges! Georges!

- Mr Norchet?

- What?

May I talk to you?

Mr Norchet, I'd like...

to ask your...

permission to marry

your daughter, Lucille.

Is there any...?

Did you know...?

What?

Why have a freezer if...?

Did you know...?

Look...

Look, Maurice...

How will you provide for her?

You're a swell guy.

But you're asking a father

to marry his daughter

to a machinist.

He's going to play for the Habs.

What do you mean?

He's been invited

to their training camp.

Maurice,

didn't you break your ankle?

It healed well, Mr Norchet.

And an arm this year?

No, that wasn't...

The army rejected you.

The RCAF don't even want you

as cannon fodder.

Think the Habs will sign you?

It's just a try-out.

I had a good season.

I like you.

But as far as we're concerned...

Mr Norchet...

Last spring you were off

to fight Hitler.

Now you're joining the Habs.

What's next? Prime Minister?

Maybe he won't be poor all his life.

But he is now.

How long have you courted?

- I'm going to marry him!

- Lucille, I haven't finished!

Lucille!

You're not 18.

Lucille!

The answer is no!

Big smile, everybody!

Mr Norchet?

Smile!

You were hoping for better?

Maurice Richard.

Mr Blake,

how was your summer?

That's none of your business.

Here.

Here's my wish list.

Don't tell me it's impossible.

Were you about to tell me

it's impossible?

- Well...

- What'd I just tell you?

Mr Irvin, these are tops.

We have no money.

I'm here to win,

not finish close second,

not put on a good show.

I don't even care

about team spirit.

I need players

who hate to lose!

- I hate to lose, Mr Irvin.

- No, you don't.

Gentlemen!

Please.

Please?

Welcome to the Canadiens.

We are looking

for some good hockey players.

We'd like to win

a few games this year.

People do not like

to see us play.

It's pretty much the same story

throughout the league.

Right now,

the game of hockey

is not a ticket seller.

I'm telling you

exactly the same thing

all the other coaches in the NHL

are telling their players

at this very moment.

The league, the NHL,

is this close to folding.

So, gentlemen,

it's up to you.

Make this game exciting!

Go! Go! Go!

I'd like to thank all of you.

These are the cuts

for today.

Jeff O'Neil. Greg Hunt.

- Cut means out?

- Yeah.

Fred Hearly. Michel Gosselin.

Skip Taylor.

You skate well,

but keep your head up,

or they'll clobber you.

Marcel Julien.

Rod Norwood.

Len Rowlston.

Duke Lamer.

Wildor Laprade.

Ab McCreedy.

Everybody else,

back here tomorrow,

dressed, ready to go at two.

Maurice Richard.

Yes.

Fractured left ankle?

Ankle?

Yes.

Fractured wrist? Which one?

My left.

I'm Dr McKay.

I'm gonna have to have you

for a once-over.

Philip Smith.

It's a blackout drill.

They really think

the Krauts will land here?

Are they signing you?

This is all, with ration coupons.

I have steak.

It makes my dad happy.

Where is it?

Maurice.

Maurice.

Tell your dad we're fine.

He's not tough enough

for big-time hockey.

D'you see his eyes

when he gets close to the net?

He's been injured.

He's done a great camp.

Let's keep Andy Perron.

I want Richard.

Mr Irvin, you know

we're in no position to waste money.

Test him.

What do you mean, test him?

Test him.

Let's see what he's got.

Hey, buddy.

You married a...

player with the Canadiens.

I knew it!

Welcome to big-time hockey!

Cold beer!

Cold beer!

Ready, children?

Louise, what does a good girl do

when she wakes up?

She says her prayers.

Good. And then?

She slowly eats

a tasty bowl of Robin Hood oatmeal!

Louise couldn't have put it better.

What a treat for kids,

a steaming bowl

of Robin Hood oatmeal

before heading to school.

Dick Irvin takes advantage

of the whistle

to change his line.

He sends in the Comet,

the young player

who some already compare

to Howie Morenz.

I'd like to toast number 15,

the Comet.

Georges...

They call you that.

To the Comet!

I was standing,

in the section for the poor.

That section has a fence around it.

So we can't bother the rich.

A fence!

The poor are in a cage!

You looked at a house?

A house?

We just looked.

Maurice...

If you could get me tickets...

not the best...

Georges, it's Christmas. Drop it!

Lucille, do you go?

There are seats for the wives.

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