Scotland At The Movies

24 March 2009, 19:07

Scottish actor Tom Conti admitted he misses the people and humour of Glasgow as he reflects on his film Heavenly Pursuits.

Shot in 1985, the film was written and directed by Glasgow filmmaker Charles Gormley, which initially attracted Conti to the script.

“When I met Charlie that further convinced me I should do it because he’s such an engaging man. He is one of most delightful people around, he was witty, he had that wonderful dark Glasgow wit, and he had wrote a terrific story and really fine dialogue,” praised Conti.

Having filmed all over the world, Conti reminisced with fondness his experience of making the film in Glasgow.

“We didn’t have any trouble shooting Heavenly Pursuits, everyone was wonderful. Glasgow folk are nice and I really miss that. I certainly miss the humour of Glasgow,” said the actor who has been performing since the late 50s.

Heavenly Pursuits follows a catholic school teacher Vic Mathews (Conti) as he tries to focus on teaching children while many at the school seek to find two additional miracles in order for the school’s namesake, Edith Semple, to become a saint. Mathews, a doubter and non-believer, soon becomes confused as he is involved in a possible miraculous event himself.

Conti paid tribute to his co-star Helen Mirren, who he has since worked with several times since.

“It was the first picture I had ever done with Helen and I had seen her and knew who she was and loved her. It was really fun to work with her,” said the Paisley born actor.

“One of the lovely things about Helen is that she is a completely down to earth human being, there is nothing ‘actressy’ about her,” he added.

As for the pair’s chemistry on-screen, Conti admitted that it was a hit or a miss whether there is a spark between couples.

“This thing of chemistry on-screen between people is indefinable and nobody knows whether it will work or not. I think it did work with us, I mean who couldn’t find Helen attractive; she’s completely gorgeous. So I think that was alright.”

Last updated: 01 April 2009, 11:49