Cast
View AllAndrée Pelletier
as Cindy
Anne-Marie Provencher
as Marianne
Miguel Fernandes
as Dan
Allan Moyle
as Peter
Beverly Murray
as Rosemary
Joe Mattia
as Eddy
George Verrecchia
as Tony
Jean-Pierre Légaré
as Rocky
Louis Di Bianco
as Sal
Margaret Ann Bates
as Honey
Julia Plummer
as Rita
Michèle Mercure
as Diane
Sheila Mofford
as Heather
Joanne Seymour
as Nicole
Kenneth Hertz
as Graham
Crew
Director
- Frank Vitale
Writer
- Allan Moyle
- Frank Vitale
Producer
- Don Carmody
- Frank Vitale
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, East End Hustle examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Frank Vitale brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of East End Hustle took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1038 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While East End Hustle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Moulin Rouge!, which focuses more on action than character development, East End Hustle subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chinatown and Dune explore similar territory, East End Hustle stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 17, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Budget: $200,000
Where to Watch

