There aren't too many films that are almost perfect in every way. In the best Ealing tradition this is a classic British comedy that has rarely been bettered. It's gentle and life affirming and still very funny with some great subtle performances. Burt Lancaster has never been better as the Texan oilman. A very young and gangly Peter Capaldi is very different to how we now think of him. Denis Lawson as the town spokesman is coolness personified. The not really Scottish Reigert is ideal as the 'fish out of water' American who gradually falls for the town's charms as we do. The great Fulton Mackay plays the town's eccentric to perfection and not forgetting the luminous Jenny Seagrove in her first major film who brings an other worldly quality. Perhaps the greatest part is played by Pennan the breathtakingly beautiful location where most of the film takes place. The more you see this the more you fall in love with it and then every scene becomes a classic. I almost forgot the icing on the cake Mark Knopler's wonderful lilting score. All this is expertly brought together by Bill Forsyth's BAFTA winning direction.
Review of Local Hero
