On this day, February 17, 1983, Local Hero premiered in theaters, bringing a unique mix of comedy, drama, and heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Bill Forsyth, the film starred Peter Riegert, Denis Lawson, Fulton Mackay, and Burt Lancaster in a charming tale about corporate ambition clashing with small-town life.
The story followed Mac MacIntyre (Riegert), an American oil executive sent to a remote Scottish village to negotiate the purchase of land for a massive refinery. However, as he spends more time in the town, he finds himself captivated by its beauty and eccentric residents, leading to an unexpected change in perspective.
Though Local Hero had a modest budget of $2.6 million, it became a critical success, earning praise for its wit, stunning cinematography, and Mark Knopfler’s beautifully atmospheric score. The film grossed $5.9 million at the box office and remains a beloved cult classic, celebrated for its gentle humor and poignant themes.
Fun fact: Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack for Local Hero included Going Home, which has since been used as the walk-on music for Newcastle United football matches.
Trivia question: What 1981 comedy-drama also directed by Bill Forsyth became his breakout film before Local Hero?
The story followed Mac MacIntyre (Riegert), an American oil executive sent to a remote Scottish village to negotiate the purchase of land for a massive refinery. However, as he spends more time in the town, he finds himself captivated by its beauty and eccentric residents, leading to an unexpected change in perspective.
Though Local Hero had a modest budget of $2.6 million, it became a critical success, earning praise for its wit, stunning cinematography, and Mark Knopfler’s beautifully atmospheric score. The film grossed $5.9 million at the box office and remains a beloved cult classic, celebrated for its gentle humor and poignant themes.
Fun fact: Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack for Local Hero included Going Home, which has since been used as the walk-on music for Newcastle United football matches.
Trivia question: What 1981 comedy-drama also directed by Bill Forsyth became his breakout film before Local Hero?
