Based on a novel by Mordecai Richler, allegedly his autobiography, it tells the story of a Jewish writer, from his life as a young boy in Montreal to his more complicated grown-up life.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 James WoodsJoshua Shapiro | Joshua Shapiro |
 Gabrielle LazurePauline | Pauline |
 Alan ArkinReuben | Reuben |
 Robert JoyColin | Colin |
 Michael SarrazinKevin Hornby | Kevin Hornby |
 Linda SorensenEsther Shapiro | Esther Shapiro |
 Alan ScarfeJack Trimble | Jack Trimble |
 Alexander KnoxSen. Hornby | Sen. Hornby |
 Ken CampbellSidney Murdoch | Sidney Murdoch |
 Kate TrotterJane Trimble | Jane Trimble |
 Chuck ShamataSeymour Kaplan | Seymour Kaplan |
 Harvey AtkinDr. Jonathan Cole | Dr. Jonathan Cole |
 Gordon Michael WoolvettTeddy Shapiro | Teddy Shapiro |
 Catherine ColveyMrs. Abbott | Mrs. Abbott |
 Paul HechtEli Seligson | Eli Seligson |
| AAndrew PowellRalph Murdoch | Ralph Murdoch |
| TTalya RubinSusy Shapiro | Susy Shapiro |
| RRobert HowardAlex Shapiro | Alex Shapiro |
| KKliment DenchevBulgarian Poet | Bulgarian Poet |
| AAlexandra InnesJoanna | Joanna |
 Bronwen MantelMrs. Friar | Mrs. Friar |
 Philip PrettenMr. Friar | Mr. Friar |