Watch Wedding in White

Wedding in White is a 1972 drama film that follows the story of a young girl named Jeannie Dougall, played by Carol Kane, who is raped by a drunken soldier on the night of her high school prom. The film is set in the 1940s in small town Canada, where Jeannie lives with her mother and younger brother. The film explores themes of sexual violence, trauma, and the aftermath of war.

Jeannie's mother, Mary, played by Doris Petrie, is a strict and overbearing woman who is focused on maintaining the appearance of a perfect family. Mary is in denial about the assault and forces Jeannie to go through with a wedding to her attacker, played by Doug McGrath, in order to save the family's reputation. This decision causes a rift between mother and daughter, as Jeannie struggles to come to terms with what has happened to her.

Donald Pleasence plays the role of Jim Dougall, Jeannie's uncle and the only person who seems to understand the gravity of the situation. He is a compassionate man who works as a projectionist at the local cinema and takes Jeannie under his wing, providing her with a sense of stability and support during a time of emotional turmoil.

As the wedding approaches, Jeannie's mental state deteriorates and she becomes increasingly isolated from her family, friends and community. Her only ally is her uncle Jim, who tries to convince Mary to face reality and help Jeannie through her trauma.

The film tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and realism, portraying the devastating impact of sexual violence on a young woman and the complexity of familial relationships in the aftermath of trauma. Kane delivers a powerful performance as Jeannie, conveying a range of emotions from fear and anger to hopelessness and despair. Petrie is also excellent as the rigid and unyielding Mary, who is torn between her desire for social acceptance and her maternal instincts.

Wedding in White is a poignant and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a difficult and often taboo subject. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy and support for survivors of sexual violence, as well as the need to break the cycle of silence and denial that perpetuates the problem. The film's emphasis on the lasting psychological impact of trauma is particularly relevant in today's society, where sexual violence remains a pervasive issue.

Overall, Wedding in White is a powerful and moving film that deserves greater recognition for its artistic and thematic achievements. The film's exploration of trauma and its impact on individuals and families is a timely reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those who have experienced sexual violence. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to confront difficult subject matter and create meaningful dialogue around important social issues.