wed 04/12/2024

Local Hero's 30th birthday | reviews, news & interviews

Local Hero's 30th birthday

Local Hero's 30th birthday

This weekend we celebrate with writer-director Bill Forsyth and stars Denis Lawson and Peter Riegert

I have some more information, sir. It's the Aurora Borealis': MacIntyre keeps Happer abreast of events in the skies over Scotland

“I wonder what the poor people are doing tonight.” This weekend is the 30th anniversary of one of the best-loved films in British cinematic history. There are louder movies than Local Hero, comedies with bigger laughs and more telegraphic intentions. But one of the reasons Bill Forsyth’s pocket masterpiece has earned a place in so many hearts is the gentleness of wry wit, the modesty of its wisdom, and underpinning it all a profound humanity.

This weekend we celebrate the birthday of Local Hero in the company of its writer-director Bill Forsyth and its two stars, Denis Lawson and Peter Riegert. Make sure you’re there to blow out the candles. Until then, here are three questions.

  1. How many 10ps you need to call Houston from a remote Scottish fishing village?
  2. How many grains of sand you can hold in your hand?
  3. How many Gs in “bugger off”?

Explore topics

Share this article

Comments

I'm ashamed to see I missed this film when it was released not seeing until it was shown late one night on TV over the Festive Holiday period late '87. Since then I have been captivated by it. It is without doubt my favourite movie of all time & I never will tire of watching it constantly discovering new things about it. A Masterpiece of subtle gentle comedy & observation and for me the ultimate feel good movie. Thank You Bill (& David & Mark) :-)

Add comment

The future of Arts Journalism

 

You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!

We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d

And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters