Soft Top Hard Shoulder
Soft Top Hard Shoulder is a 1992 British comedy drama film directed by Stefan Schwartz, produced by Richard Holmes, written by and starring Peter Capaldi and also starring Elaine Collins, Frances Barber, Jeremy Northam and Richard Wilson.[1]
Soft Top Hard Shoulder | |
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2013 on demand movie release poster | |
Directed by | Stefan Schwartz |
Produced by | Richard Holmes |
Screenplay by | Peter Capaldi |
Starring |
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Music by | Chris Rea |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Budget | £175,000 |
Plot
Gavin Bellini is a Glaswegian artist who left home to live in London seeking his fortune as a children's illustrator. Seven years later, he has not found the success he desired, but lives on the brink of starvation with a friend who is too kind to insist on the rent being paid. As his fortunes have declined, Gavin has been avoiding phone calls from his family back home in Glasgow. Gavin's family were ice-cream makers who had a factory in Glasgow and have recently sold it as Gavin's father is in poor health. By chance, his Uncle Salvatore - the head of the Bellini family - is down in London for the Ice Cream awards, and happens across Gavin in an Italian restaurant. He sits Gavin down to talk to him about his absence and gives him the ultimatum that he needs to be in Glasgow in 2 days time at 7:30pm sharp for his father's 60th birthday party. Gavin is reluctant, but Salvatore lets him know that the recent sale of the ice-cream factory has netted a profit which is to be shared amongst the children of the family - and if Gavin fails to show up, he will not receive his share of the profits. Salvatore gives him £30 to cover the petrol.
Emboldened by the prospect of some much-needed cash, Gavin decides to drive up to Glasgow in his 1971 Triumph Herald, a car given to him by a Country & Western group for doing the graphics for their album. With just the £30 given to him by his uncle, Gavin begins a momentous comedy road trip from London to Glasgow, meeting a mysterious attractive hitchhiker with a story to tell along the way.
Cast
- Peter Capaldi ... Gavin Bellini
- Frances Barber ... Miss Trumble
- Catherine Russell ... Animal Rights Activist
- Jeremy Northam ... John
- Richard Wilson ... Uncle Salvatore
- Elaine Collins ... Yvonne
- Peter Ferdinando ... Homeless Youth
- Sophie Hall ... Nancy
- Scott Hall ... Mr. Young
- Simon Callow ... Eddie Cherdowski
- Phyllis Logan ... Karla
- Robert James ... Campbell
- Andrew Downie ... Brodie
- Ann Scott-Jones ... Mrs. Tutty
- Lindy Whiteford ... Peggy
- Bill Gavin ... Man in Tiny Car
- Michael Nardone ... Stevie
- Billy McColl ... Kevin the Guru
- Clive Russell ... Clegg
- Jeremy Lee ... Radio Voices
- Kate Harding ... Radio Voices
Music
The score and title track were composed by Chris Rea.
Reception
The film was a surprise hit,[2] and won two Scottish BAFTAS. Critics noted its similarities to Bill Forsyth films.[3]
A re-mastered version was released in December 2013 on Vimeo On Demand.[4]
Awards
Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result |
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1992 | London Film Festival | Audience Award | Stefan Schwartz | Won |
1993 | BAFTA Scotland Award | Best Film | Richard Holmes | Won |
Best Actor | Peter Capaldi | Won | ||
Best Actress | Elaine Collins | Nominated |
References
- BFI.org
- McLean, Marc. "Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi : My wife has been the foundation for my career". Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- A, G. "Soft Top, Hard Shoulder". Time Out. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
- "Soft Top, Hard Shoulder - double BAFTA-winning comedy starring Peter Capaldi". Vimeo. Retrieved 29 December 2013.