After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank Redmond, a no-nonsense 55-year-old working-class man, suddenly finds himself laid off. For the first time in his life, he is without a job or a sense of direction, and he's too proud to ask for guidance. His best mates - rascally Danny, timid Norman and cynical Eddie - are there for him, but Frank still feels desperately alone. An offhand remark from Danny inspires Frank to challenge himself. Already contemplating the state of his relationships with loving wife Joan and all-but-estranged son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up his own self-confidence. He will attempt the near impossible - swimming the English Channel. As Frank plunges headlong into his new daily life, his astonished friends are swept along with him. Prodded by stalwart fish-and-chips shop owner Chan, the men support Frank, train him - and keep their goal secret from his wife and son...
Written by Focus Features
The toy that Rob takes away from his son at school is Thunderbird 2, based on the television series
Thunderbirds. Ron Cook played Parker in the theatrical remake
Thunderbirds.
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Goofs
Revealing mistakes:
When Rob is in the café, the words on the front glass window are facing inside - not outside, towards the street.
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Quotes
Rob:
I just don't understand why he is doing this. Swimming The English Channel will NOT bring Stuart back. Joan:
[as she leaves the kitchen, she turns back to her son]
It's not Stuart he wants back, Rob. See more »
Soundtracks
"For he is a jolly good fellow"
(traditional)
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