Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ian Hart | ... | Toni Cocozza | |
Kelly Macdonald | ... | Irene | |
Brian Cox | ... | Chisolm | |
Alun Armstrong | ... | Bill | |
Tommy Flanagan | ... | Michaelangelo | |
Iain Cuthbertson | ... | Connolly | |
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Una McLean | ... | Dainty |
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Jimmy Chisholm | ... | Kenny |
Jimmy Yuill | ... | Rod Edmunds | |
Richard E. Grant | ... | Self | |
Jimmy Tarbuck | ... | Self | |
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Stewart Ennis | ... | Doorman |
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Paul Doonan | ... | Nicol |
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Anne Lacey | ... | Coat check girl |
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Alex Howden | ... | Kojak |
In Glasgow, Toni Cocozza, age 28, aspires to be a lounge singer; his repertoire is strictly Sinatra, backed by Bill, an aging piano player and his only friend. Toni dreams big and enters a local television talent show. About that time, a local Mob boss decides Toni is great entertainment and invites him to be his guest at a casino. Toni chats up Irene, a cigarette girl, he gets an odd job or two from Chisolm, the mobster's number two, the audition goes bust, and Toni's future is uncertain. One thing leads to another with the Mob. Is Toni at a crossroads, or is there in reality no turning or going back? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
A gem of a movie that needs more exposure so more film fans can appreciate its luster. It encompasses a wide variety of cinematic flavors, from subtle doses of dry Scottish humor, to classy musical productions and to everyday life drama played out on the streets of Glasgow. Yes, Toni (Ian Hart) wants the fame that accompanies a successful singer/entertainer, but at what price is he willing to pay? Not an especially original story theme, but the way the cast and crew twist this basic theme in their metaphorical fingers, it comes out refreshingly entertaining.
The cast is marvelous, using well scripted lines with flawless delivery in their native brogue with all the accompanying idiomatic expressions. Brian Cox, who is equally adept at American film roles/brogue, stands out in his role as a ruthless gangster. I think his all-round talent is under appreciated by too many film goers. Ian Hart, as the lead, Kelly Macdonald and Alun Armstrong are on the mark in their role interpretations. Too bad that many American film goers will probably eschew this film because of the hard to follow Celtic accents. Hey, if that's the case, turn the close caption "ON" and sit back and enjoy two hours of fresh fun!