Understanding Bliss_
Elizabeth Sutton, a lecturer from Toronto and Peter Breen, a professor of cultural studies from St. John's, Newfoundland, come together in his town for a secret liaison. All is bliss. But within twenty-four hours, the affair has collapsed. A clash of languages, cultures, and values force them to come to terms with each other's sense of morality.
Director
William D. MacGillivray
Starring
Catherine Grant, Bryan Hennessey, Rosemary House
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
No streaming data available yet.
Check availabilityDROPTHE_ GOSSIP
William D. MacGillivray →
Year context
Understanding Bliss was released 36 years ago in 1990.
Understanding Bliss is a Drama film with a runtime of 1h 20m.
CAST (18)
CG
Catherine Grant
Elizabeth Sutton
BH
Bryan Hennessey
Peter Breen/Uncle Henny Penny
Rosemary House
May Breen
WM
William MacGillivray Sr.
Peter's Father
Rick Mercer
Richard (Turkish Knight)
PB
Paddy Barry
Paddy (Beelzebub)
LP
Lisa Porter
Lisa (Ball)
Andrew Younghusband
Andrew (Father Christmas)
AB
Ashley Billard
Ashley (Doctor)
EP
Elizabeth Pickard
Liz (Slasher)
OL
Ollie Little
Hotel Housekeeper
SH
Sammy Hall
Boy in Photographs
Michael Jones
Tom (Archive Footage)
GH
Graham Hayward
Tom as Child (Archive Footage)
CS
Claudette Sapp
Mother (archive footage)
JD
Joey Davis
Harry as Child (archive footage)
BC
Bernard Cloutier
Porter (archive footage)
JR
Jody Richardson
Jody (King George)
CREW
STUDIOS (1)
Picture Plant
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Understanding Bliss about?
Elizabeth Sutton, a lecturer from Toronto and Peter Breen, a professor of cultural studies from St. John's, Newfoundland, come together in his town for a secret liaison. All is bliss. But within twenty-four hours, the affair has collapsed. A clash of languages, cultures, and values force them to come to terms with each other's sense of morality.
How long is Understanding Bliss?
Understanding Bliss has a runtime of 80 minutes (1h 20m).
Who directed Understanding Bliss?
Understanding Bliss was directed by William D. MacGillivray.
Who stars in Understanding Bliss?
The cast of Understanding Bliss includes Catherine Grant, Bryan Hennessey, Rosemary House, William MacGillivray Sr., Rick Mercer.
GENRES (1)
Drama