Whisky sì missili no

Not having read the original novel I can only assume that this film utilised the basic storyline but gave it a bit of a twist.Sadly failing to repeat the success of the original film.Donald Sinden gives a very theatrical performance and the romance is unlikely.In any event difficult to repeat the era of austerity in a time of rising affluence.

"Rockets Galore" is supposed to be a sequel, of sorts, to "Whiskey Galore!"...which was made about a decade earlier. However, most of the people in the film are different actors and characters, though the setting (a tiny Scottish island) is the same.

When the film begins, you learn that the British government is planning on building a missile base on tiny Toddaya island. And, this will also mean displacing many people from their homes! Considering how isolated the place is, clearly moving many families will cause a HUGE disruption in their lives. Much of the film is about how the locals do their best to discourage the government...and some of these schemes are rather funny.

This movie is funny but its main strength is in the sweetness of the characters and community. It also helps that unlike the earlier film, this one is in vivid color...and it looks lovely. Overall, a highly creative and fun film...one that is well worth your time.

This seems to be an earlier version of "Local Hero" with only small changes to the plot outline. i.e. Englishman comes to survey a Scottish Island with a rocket launch site in mind, local objection and Scottish wits persuades the government otherwise. It's OK for the time it was made and I've sat through worse. I come from Scotland so I will watch anything that has been filmed there, within reason! It contains all the elements of that time, such as romance, wine, women and song. Donald Sinden is (as ever) very dashing and gives us ladies something to concentrate on other than the plot. The cast contains many famous Scottish actors and comedians that are probably not well known outside their home turf.

I can only assume that dj_kennett watched this film on the ABC, who usually show this film here in Australia in their last timeslot of the night, just before dawn. This may explain the falling asleep.

Though by no means a great film there are many little points of interest, including the scenery of the Isle of Barra that dj mentioned, the bits of Gàidhlig that appear here and there and some singing. See if you recognize Ronnie Corbett (listed as Ronald).

So, not something I'd go out of my way to see, but worth a look if it comes your way.

Slàinte!

Having seen the wonderful Whisky Galore shortly before I watched this, I turned the TV on expecting more of the same. Unfortunately this is not the case. I suppose taken on it's own merits it's not too bad, but for me it just had too many things wrong with it.

The casting for example. Apart from Gordon Jackson and maybe one or two others none of the cast from Whisky Galore makes a return appearance even though many of the characters are the same. One almost suspects the producers of just not trying hard enough to get the old cast back together.

However, the actor Duncan Macrae did come back but the producers committed the cardinal sin by casting him in a different role to the one he played in Whisky Galore. If you're going to have the same actor at least have him play the same part, otherwise just get someone else. This holds especially true for this film, which to be honest was made solely on the back of it's predecessor being so successful.

A major disappointment all round.