Scotland At The Movies

25 March 2009, 17:40

Actor David Hayman has paid a glowing tribute to Charlie Gormley, ahead of the director’s well-loved film Heavenly Pursuits being re-aired on TV next month.

Hayman starred alongside Tom Conti and Helen Mirren in the 1985 comedy about faith and miracles, which was set in a Catholic school in Glasgow.

Speaking to stv.tv on his memories of the production, Hayman said: “Heavenly Pursuits is a lovely gentle film about miracles, belief, cynicism, fear and romance all tied up together, set in a school in Glasgow.

“It’s directed by Charlie Gormley. Charlie’s no longer with us sadly, but he was a wonderful man and a great filmmaker; a great craftsman of his work. And it was a very happy film to make because Charlie’s a great raconteur, a great storyteller.

“He was passionate about film, a walking encyclopaedia of film knowledge about actors, directors, writers, producers, you name it. And his great, great love for the medium.”

Charlie Gormley was an important figure in the development of the film industry in Scotland during the 1970s and 1980s. He graduated from short documentaries and information films to writing and directing Heavenly Pursuits. For Hayman, his influence on Scottish filmmaking cannot be understated.

He added: “He was always encouraging and supportive, as he was to all young filmmakers. That is the great loss of Charlie in our lives. He was a kind of mentor to many, many young directors just starting off. When I was directing my first feature film, Silent Scream, 17, 18, 19 years ago, Charlie was the first one I would turn to for advice. He was great.”

Heavenly Pursuits is on STV on April 19.

Last updated: 01 April 2009, 11:49