Local Hero is one of my top 3 films for 40 years, and has a timeless quality. I learned a lot about making this film from this interview, and did not realize how controversial it was. To me, Local Hero is a perfect movie.
I live in Pennan, it is amazing how many visitors still arrive to see the street for themselves :) 40 years on and as popular as ever. People recreate the lines as they walk about !! :)
I can’t believe it’s been 40 years! This movie never gets old. Definitely in my top three favorite movies of all time. The scenery and soundtrack are second to none!
I love Local Hero. It's sweet, endearing, funny, just delightful. One of my favorite movies ever. I named my sweet little dog Stella as a tribute to the film.
Never saw the film as a comedy as such. It was always a bitter/sweet drama with great & subtle moments of comedy, for example when the 3 old guys are gathered around the boat painting the name on it. Brilliant stuff. One of the best British films ever made.
My wife and I, both big fans of the film, visited Scotland last year so we visited Pennan and Banff where the movie was filmed. The B&B in Pennan ( the hotel in the film) has signed posters of the film by Burt Lancaster and Peter Reigert. The phone box is still there. The bar scenes were filmed at The Ship Inn in nearby Banff where the bar looks much the same.
Initially the phone box was just a prop...putup by the film company and removed after filming stopped. The phone box that is there now was put there due to public pressure from fans disappointed that the phone wasn't there...
One of my favorite movies ever. The remote Scottish village seeps under you skin and beguiles...not to mention the characters. You don't want to leave!
The film reminds me so much of my visit to Scotland in 1974. At the end when Peter Riegert stands at the window, staring out at the city with an empty gaze he wishes he were back. Yes, I know that feeling.
In 1975 I quit my job because the company I worked for wouldn’t let me take 6 weeks off to go to Scotland. Changed my life. Came back & got a job with the same company. There’s a lesson there somewhere I reckon.
it's a possibility that the soundtrack wasn't ready when this was filmed as the movie hadn't came out at the time of the interviews. Local Hero premiered on 11th February 1983 and the 20th Century Fox executive was talking about what movies was scheduled for that year (Jedi, Bond, Superman etc), which places this time frame about four or five months before Local Hero's release date.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected. The marketing meeting was interesting; Loved seeing the 2 different posters that were in consideration. And seeing a young Bill Forsyth was great.
Local Hero was local to me. I lived in the vicinity and got drunk in the hotel pub many a time. I got refused a vodka and brandy for some obscure reason once : ). One of my all time favourite films.
The phonebox scene is so true how we worked in the 80s. I was in RAF at the time. To get calls between my parents to me when I lived off base, they called the phonebox, local kids would answer and run to my girlfriends house to tell me there was a call. The kids of course got paid for that.
Brexit-weary?...Earth- warming weary?...can't spell fushsia....eh.....fewshia....eh,,,you know what I mean.Then watch this masterpiece of a film which only spreads light in your soul.There's not one single thing about it that isn't heart-warming, whimsical, gently satisfying, delightful....but don't take my word for it......get that film! Fact: the adorable seaside hamlet in the film is, in reality, a combination of hamlets on opposite sides of Scotland, i.e Pennan. Morar, Arisaig......go get, people, and smile.
Totally agree when I saw the film I bought the soundtrack went to Mallaig and Arisaig. Sat on a rock on Arisaig beach and played the tape. Magical! Missed Pennan though because I didn't see it on the film credits. Will definitely return
I saw this magical movie back in the 1980s. I found the restored edition at the library, and have been enjoying it again, along with the bonus features. I especially admire Burt Lancaster, who of course was near the end of his extraordinary career. Besides his vivid portrayals, he had the clearest diction of any Hollywood star. It’s surprisingly important when so many actors just mumble their lines.
I heard that Burt Lancaster whilst giving a tribute to the director, Bill Forsyth, during the wrap party, said Bill spoke a language unknown to man!!! Can well imagine that a broad Scottish accent could sound alien to many and I'm Scottish! Watched the film many times, loved it.
I played in the tide pools on the tip of the Monterey peninsula as I was born in Pacific Grove in 1955❤ I saw that I had gone back there watching this movie thank you so much❤
It is quite strange how they don't talk about the casting of or acting style of Peter Riegert in this documentary. To me, that's more important to learn about than the visual style of the film which really wasn't the focus. It was the script and the actors. The only actor mentioned is Burt Lancaster.
I'm of Scottish decent, if I ever get the chance to visit, I'm definitely going to find and visit this little hamlet, one of my all time favorite flicks!
TralfazConstruction - Try it again. You are very different after 36 years, so the movie will be, too.. deeper, richer, different notes & things seen & thought & felt.
@@BinkyTheElf1 I'll take your suggestion in the spirit in which it was given. Along the way over the decades I lost my wife (2002) and fiancée (2016) to the after-effects of cancer. I had it pretty good most of my time here. I have the disc all ready to go as and I hope to give it a chance soon. Thank you! Best wishes.
The ending takes the viewer to an optimistic place. At least it did with me. I have taken a personal look at this film 4/5 times over the years. Initially I saw less than I see now. I lived 3 miles from the hotel and spent many days on beaches similar to that portayed in Local Hero. I live in London now and you don't know the simple beauty of life until you are away from it.
I find out, after forty years, that I wasn't in the "target audience", but oh well, as someone in his mid-teens who saw it at the cinema when it opened, I enjoyed it back in the day. Among other things, I thought it was a good advertisement for Scottish tourism.
Such a good film is local hero. This doco was quite interesting, some great filmmaking making tips. I sort out other films by this writer/director.. like comfort and joy, which I liked as well, plus Gregory's girl
I find it difficult that Movies of this quality are far and few between in 2024. Then I realized four things finding someone with acting ability location the music score and lastly movie directors.... which in 2024 sadly we have slim pickings
It will eternally be My favourite film because of the West Coast, at sixteen I left school and got a fishing job there. The Sister of The Skipper was My first long-term sexual relationship, Her Mother adopted Me, the West Coast phone box was where My Parents first learnt I'd binned skool! So I suppose I'll always love it because of the life I was allowed to lead which is now largely denied! How many parents of todays little darlings could cope with the waine being afloat with a better sex life than Theirs? Eating better food than they could buy? Learning from Elders experience infinitely beyond Their own?
Good documentary with, however, a very major flaw. There is not even one reference made to the final ingredient which made this movie so very special..,,the music …Mark Knopfler’s wonderfully atmospheric soundtrack which, 40 years later, is remembered just as fondly as the movie it graced so magnificently ..,, a shocking omission
SISKEL & EBERT gave films like this the editorial chance to make money. That's why Disney bought Siskel & Ebert and murdered them -- so that audiences had no idea what a good movie was.
Strange how they seem to have missed how powerful the music by Mark Knopfler was --- thats what made me think this could be a good film to watch. For all that talking and they missed the best key for engagement.
Obvs a great film. One of the best films in our time even! And a magnificent sound track,,,,but how on earth did the bloke introducing this film with his nasal speech impediment ever get on television? Was it the “South Bank Show”?
It is The South Bank Show. Melvyn Bragg is one of the UK's great programme makers. His drive, intelligence and altruism have contributed massively to the range of educational/information/entertainment programming that is now part the of British cultural landscape, nasal speech notwithstanding. You should look for "In Our Time" on BBC Radio 4
They should have dropped the whole thing with the Psychiatrist. It’s just painful to watch and adds nothing to the story or pace. I suppose it’s to placate the American audience who see psychiatrists as useful. In Britain, the only people who see a psychiatrist are teenage girls with eating disorders and people who think Jesus is talking to them through the television.
Listen to what Bill Forsyth has to say about Happer's character ... it all chimes for me. Plus the scene when the psychiatrist is on the roof before getting fired is just too funny. And after all it's a gentle poke at American characteristics and certain Scottish/British characteristics so I never really considered it any more out of place than the "Knox Oil & Gas" greetings on the telephone let's say, which I also find incongruous in the film, but which make me smile.
An extremely overrated movie. Poor in also ever facet. I suspect there is some hidden meaning behind it that has given it limelight, but otherwise rubbish.
Local Hero is one of my top 3 films for 40 years, and has a timeless quality. I learned a lot about making this film from this interview, and did not realize how controversial it was. To me, Local Hero is a perfect movie.
I live in Pennan, it is amazing how many visitors still arrive to see the street for themselves :) 40 years on and as popular as ever. People recreate the lines as they walk about !! :)
I just watched this movie last night for the 1000th time. I smile every time at the last scene where the phone box is ringing. Great film.
I'm with you mate. By the time the phone box is ringing I am reaching for the tissues. This is one of the best crafted films of all time!
Right on, that final scene took this film from a 9/10 to a ten.
I lived in the Hebrides for a while and there was a phone box in the village which often rang to see if anyone was hanging out.
yes, what an ending! so touching.
I can’t believe it’s been 40 years!
This movie never gets old.
Definitely in my top three favorite movies of all time.
The scenery and soundtrack are second to none!
Couldn't agree more with you, sir, beautiful film. My father played it when I was a little kid and I've watched it dozens of times since then!
I'd say it ties with a film from the same period, DAYS OF HEAVEN. If you've never seen it drop what you're doing and see/hear it.
Mine too, it has Everything & the soundtrack is Beautiful as is Scotland.!
I love Local Hero. It's sweet, endearing, funny, just delightful. One of my favorite movies ever. I named my sweet little dog Stella as a tribute to the film.
Or could have called her Trudie...
@@vinaygohil3793 ☺well said.
Without doubt a big part of the success of this film is Mark Knopfler's soundtrack especially during the end sequences.
Agreed after I saw the film I bought the soundtrack , went to Mallaig and Arisaig sat on the beach and played the tape. Magical
@@alanjones5786 Thank god! Someone who knows what’s meant by ‘tape’.
Never saw the film as a comedy as such. It was always a bitter/sweet drama with great & subtle moments of comedy, for example when the 3 old guys are gathered around the boat painting the name on it. Brilliant stuff. One of the best British films ever made.
This "quiet film" still echoes 40 years on. One of those films that I'll stop and watch if it's on TV, however many times I've seen it.
Truly one of the best films ever - or, at least one of my top favorites. :) Everyone should see this movie.
Yes, along with Withnail and I and Knife in the Water.
Restless Natives is another Scottish classic movie.
Certainly my favourite film. But I'm a wee bit bias 🤷🏴
My wife and I, both big fans of the film, visited Scotland last year so we visited Pennan and Banff where the movie was filmed. The B&B in Pennan ( the hotel in the film) has signed posters of the film by Burt Lancaster and Peter Reigert. The phone box is still there. The bar scenes were filmed at The Ship Inn in nearby Banff where the bar looks much the same.
Initially the phone box was just a prop...putup by the film company and removed after filming stopped. The phone box that is there now was put there due to public pressure from fans disappointed that the phone wasn't there...
One of my favorite movies ever. The remote Scottish village seeps under you skin and beguiles...not to mention the characters. You don't want to leave!
The film reminds me so much of my visit to Scotland in 1974. At the end when Peter Riegert stands at the window, staring out at the city with an empty gaze he wishes he were back. Yes, I know that feeling.
In 1975 I quit my job because the company I worked for wouldn’t let me take 6 weeks off to go to Scotland. Changed my life. Came back & got a job with the same company. There’s a lesson there somewhere I reckon.
... and not one word about the music. Amazing, when you think that the soundtrack is now one of the best-loved of all time.
it's a possibility that the soundtrack wasn't ready when this was filmed as the movie hadn't came out at the time of the interviews. Local Hero premiered on 11th February 1983 and the 20th Century Fox executive was talking about what movies was scheduled for that year (Jedi, Bond, Superman etc), which places this time frame about four or five months before Local Hero's release date.
A great memorable film with an unforgettable soundtrack.
I’m going to show this at our local film club as the Christmas film. The locals are already excited.
"The minor planet '7345 Happer' is named after Lancaster's character in the film and his quest to have a comet named after him."
This was an absolute treat to watch; not to mention an education in the filmmaking process. Thank you for uploading.
So well done - e.g., letting Bill Forsythe talk uninterrupted for 3 or 4 minutes about his lovely film.
Everything fits! The cast, script, location and the outstanding soundtrack which is one of the greatest of all time.
Marina = sea
Stella = stars
"Sea and Stars............I like that............I like that." - Felix Happer
Mac = son of
MacIntyre = son of a builder
One of the best films ever made.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected. The marketing meeting was interesting; Loved seeing the 2 different posters that were in consideration. And seeing a young Bill Forsyth was great.
Really interesting! Thank you for posting this. I've loved Local Hero since I saw it in the theater in 1983. Best movie ever!
mine too absolutely beautiful
Local Hero was local to me. I lived in the vicinity and got drunk in the hotel pub many a time. I got refused a vodka and brandy for some obscure reason once : ). One of my all time favourite films.
The pub interiors were filmed in The Ship Inn, Banff. The exteriors were filmed in Pennan, near Aberdeen.
Great film watched it last night,has a warm gentle feel to it.
Thanks for posting this! Had no idea it existed. One of my favorite films as a kid and still is today!
The phonebox scene is so true how we worked in the 80s. I was in RAF at the time. To get calls between my parents to me when I lived off base, they called the phonebox, local kids would answer and run to my girlfriends house to tell me there was a call. The kids of course got paid for that.
This film mesmerised me from start to finish. It leaves one with a happy feeling and in no idea WHY.
Quel film magnifique ! On aime parfois les critiquer, mais il faut quand-même reconnaître que les britanniques sont épatants !
Great to see Burt Lancaster being interviewed about this film.
He is one of the all time greats. What a coup to get him to Scotland to make this film.
Thanks so much, one of the greatest films with one of the greatest (and last) hollywood stars..
LH has been one of my favorite movies for a long time & just now (2020!) I'm finding this, so thank you so much!
.
My favorite film of all time. Love seeing this...
One of my favourite movies , seen more than 20 times i think , love it
One of my favourite movies!!!!!
Brexit-weary?...Earth- warming weary?...can't spell fushsia....eh.....fewshia....eh,,,you know what I mean.Then watch this masterpiece of a film which only spreads light in your soul.There's not one single thing about it that isn't heart-warming, whimsical, gently satisfying, delightful....but don't take my word for it......get that film! Fact: the adorable seaside hamlet in the film is, in reality, a combination of hamlets on opposite sides of Scotland, i.e Pennan. Morar, Arisaig......go get, people, and smile.
Totally agree when I saw the film I bought the soundtrack went to Mallaig and Arisaig. Sat on a rock on Arisaig beach and played the tape. Magical!
Missed Pennan though because I didn't see it on the film credits. Will definitely return
I saw this magical movie back in the 1980s. I found the restored edition at the library, and have been enjoying it again, along with the bonus features. I especially admire Burt Lancaster, who of course was near the end of his extraordinary career. Besides his vivid portrayals, he had the clearest diction of any Hollywood star. It’s surprisingly important when so many actors just mumble their lines.
"So, who's the father?" (A circle of blank looks answers the question.) Great movie!
"Wonderful sky, McIntire! Good work!"
watched it last..first time in years...still wonderful.
I always felt it was the inspiration for the US series Northern Exposure... One can even "match up" the characters!
Fascinating watching this. this is a wonderful film.
The real 'Hero' in this story is the man who chose the music
I heard that Burt Lancaster whilst giving a tribute to the director, Bill Forsyth, during the wrap party, said Bill spoke a language unknown to man!!! Can well imagine that a broad Scottish accent could sound alien to many and I'm Scottish! Watched the film many times, loved it.
I played in the tide pools on the tip of the Monterey peninsula as I was born in Pacific Grove in 1955❤ I saw that I had gone back there watching this movie thank you so much❤
Still one of my favorite movies.❤
Quirky and sweet.
We need more films like this.
It is quite strange how they don't talk about the casting of or acting style of Peter Riegert in this documentary. To me, that's more important to learn about than the visual style of the film which really wasn't the focus. It was the script and the actors. The only actor mentioned is Burt Lancaster.
And he was in it what, all of ten minutes.
I'm of Scottish decent, if I ever get the chance to visit, I'm definitely going to find and visit this little hamlet, one of my all time favorite flicks!
The end is so poignant that I've not been able to bring myself to watch the movie in over thirty-six years.
TralfazConstruction - Try it again. You are very different after 36 years, so the movie will be, too.. deeper, richer, different notes & things seen & thought & felt.
@@BinkyTheElf1 I'll take your suggestion in the spirit in which it was given. Along the way over the decades I lost my wife (2002) and fiancée (2016) to the after-effects of cancer. I had it pretty good most of my time here. I have the disc all ready to go as and I hope to give it a chance soon. Thank you! Best wishes.
I still cry at the final scene, even till this day
The ending takes the viewer to an optimistic place. At least it did with me. I have taken a personal look at this film 4/5 times over the years. Initially I saw less than I see now. I lived 3 miles from the hotel and spent many days on beaches similar to that portayed in Local Hero. I live in London now and you don't know the simple beauty of life until you are away from it.
I know where you’re coming from, I’m the same, BUT please watch it, you will not regret it. PROMISE! X
such a great film this local hero.
I find out, after forty years, that I wasn't in the "target audience", but oh well, as someone in his mid-teens who saw it at the cinema when it opened, I enjoyed it back in the day.
Among other things, I thought it was a good advertisement for Scottish tourism.
Great document of a great creative work.
Just brilliant.
The interviewer also did a really good job with Alf Wight; he couldn't keep from smiling because Wight was so unique and likable.
Around this time I had a gold metallic Ford Cortina just like the one they arrive to Ferness in. Nice car. 😊
Thanks so much for posting.
What is there to say? Just brilliant. I would highly recommend the original “Whisky Galore” too, both films are classics and mean so much personally.
My favourite film. No question.
This and Lawrence of Arabia are my favourite movies of all times!
44:35 whoever thought up this dreadful poster...
When there was no such thing as CGI…..thank god
A great film with an even greater soundtrack…of which no mention was made.
I'm almost 60 and still influenced by Local Hero and Blade Runner.
Resulting in you living in the middle of nowhere, hiding from killer robots...
No heart, no soul Mr. Sparkly Pants
Wonderful film 😊
Such a good film is local hero. This doco was quite interesting, some great filmmaking making tips. I sort out other films by this writer/director.. like comfort and joy, which I liked as well, plus Gregory's girl
Yestercars..MOST LOVE Local Hero ))),..OF ALL TIME !?!
its a perfect film.
This movie and The Dish.
If you are talking about the Australian movie "the dish" then you have mentioned two of my fave comedy/dramas of all time.
I lived in Houston for many years. Most Houstonians will go to Galveston Island , 50 miles away on the Gulf of Mexico, for beach fun.
As delighted as Lancaster was at the quality of the movie, he should have been happy to agree to half price.
Could have used the beach at Gairloch. It even has a church next to it and a big hotel down the road.
I find it difficult that Movies of this quality are far and few between in 2024.
Then I realized four things finding someone with acting ability location the music score and lastly movie directors.... which in 2024 sadly we have slim pickings
Yiu don't get quirky charming films like this now.
It will eternally be My favourite film because of the West Coast, at sixteen I left school and got a fishing job there. The Sister of The Skipper was My first long-term sexual relationship, Her Mother adopted Me, the West Coast phone box was where My Parents first learnt I'd binned skool!
So I suppose I'll always love it because of the life I was allowed to lead which is now largely denied!
How many parents of todays little darlings could cope with the waine being afloat with a better sex life than Theirs? Eating better food than they could buy? Learning from Elders experience infinitely beyond Their own?
Was I mad to get a picture of my Car where they hit the rabbit last year in the fog and spent the night 😁 Walked along Bens beach many times.
Ho did you find that location?
Is that Melvin Bragg, I recognize his voice from his podcast In Our Times
Good documentary with, however, a very major flaw. There is not even one reference made to the final ingredient which made this movie so very special..,,the music …Mark Knopfler’s wonderfully atmospheric soundtrack which, 40 years later, is remembered just as fondly as the movie it graced so magnificently ..,, a shocking omission
Visit Scotland xxx and u can't ever leave♥♥♥
I visited there, last year, and left my heart there.
I. was the producer for the film
SISKEL & EBERT gave films like this the editorial chance to make money. That's why Disney bought Siskel & Ebert and murdered them -- so that audiences had no idea what a good movie was.
11:45 Peter’s surname misspelt?
Strange how they seem to have missed how powerful the music by Mark Knopfler was --- thats what made me think this could be a good film to watch. For all that talking and they missed the best key for engagement.
I wonder what Puttnam thinks of American 'film' today.
Great movie. Too bad Jenny Seagrove wasn't in it more!
‘Stars Burt Lancaster’. Lol. Anything to sell a movie. His character would be lucky to ah e ten minutes in the entire movie.
42:15 Dennis Lawson, a sex symbol? Man those were weird times!
Peter Capaldi was the assistant who wooed jenny seagrove...its that Kinda movie
Obvs a great film. One of the best films in our time even! And a magnificent sound track,,,,but how on earth did the bloke introducing this film with his nasal speech impediment ever get on television? Was it the “South Bank Show”?
It is The South Bank Show. Melvyn Bragg is one of the UK's great programme makers. His drive, intelligence and altruism have contributed massively to the range of educational/information/entertainment programming that is now part the of British cultural landscape, nasal speech notwithstanding. You should look for "In Our Time" on BBC Radio 4
Can't agree about his voice, I think it's quite good.
They should have dropped the whole thing with the Psychiatrist. It’s just painful to watch and adds nothing to the story or pace. I suppose it’s to placate the American audience who see psychiatrists as useful. In Britain, the only people who see a psychiatrist are teenage girls with eating disorders and people who think Jesus is talking to them through the television.
Listen to what Bill Forsyth has to say about Happer's character ... it all chimes for me. Plus the scene when the psychiatrist is on the roof before getting fired is just too funny. And after all it's a gentle poke at American characteristics and certain Scottish/British characteristics so I never really considered it any more out of place than the "Knox Oil & Gas" greetings on the telephone let's say, which I also find incongruous in the film, but which make me smile.
An extremely overrated movie. Poor in also ever facet. I suspect there is some hidden meaning behind it that has given it limelight, but otherwise rubbish.
Gets better with age. Incredibly good movie!