This NFB docu-drama takes an unvarnished look at life in a working-class boarding house. Based on the filmmaker's memories of his own mother's boarding house in Cabbagetown, Toronto, the story revolves around Rose and how she runs her establishment. With a household as full and varied as hers, domesticity clashes with disputes about bootlegging, violence, and stealing. Even authority isn't exempt: she does battle with a social worker over her son's theft of a bicycle. Rose is the queen of her castle, and delivers her own brand of justice.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| RRose Maltais-BorrisRose | Rose |
| AAlbert BorrisBin | Bin |
| RRonald MaltaisP'tit-Jean | P'tit-Jean |
| GGarry BorrisAlbert | Albert |
| JJohn BrownTony | Tony |
| MMagella JosephMadge | Madge |
| PPaulette JilesWoman boarder / cocktail waitress | Woman boarder / cocktail waitress |
| GGeorge MartellSocial Worker | Social Worker |
| EEdmond CharestHenry | Henry |
| JJulia U. BorrisSecretary | Secretary |
| EEd UznanskiBoy with Bicycle | Boy with Bicycle |
| CClay BorrisPoker Player | Poker Player |
| RRoy GautreauPoker Player | Poker Player |
| MMichael BelleyJean Luc | Jean Luc |
| DDarrin MaltaisDaniel | Daniel |
| JJerry BorrisFactory worker | Factory worker |
| TTherese HaleySinger at party | Singer at party |
| RReno MaltaisSinger at party | Singer at party |
| JJoyce MaltaisSinger at party | Singer at party |
| AAlex BorrisGrandparent | Grandparent |
| DDelima BorrisGrandparent | Grandparent |