I recorded this 1994 movie from one of our free movie satellite channels. The setting is Dublin in the 60's and the protagonist played by Albert Finney is a bus conductor with aspirations of directing a play. He recruits his actors from the locals who ride his bus or hang around the local pub. The story is a showcase for Finney, and he does his usual good job. The theme might be fantasy vs. reality since the early fantasy of producing a play collapses into the reality that his stage princess is promiscuous, his friend (played by Michael Gambon of Singing Detective fame) decides he has to sabotage the play because it's sinful and finally he has to confront his own sexual inclinations. I can recommend this movie if you're interested in watching the artistry of acting used to develop a complex aging character and if you can handle some medium to heavy Irish brogue without closed captions.

2002-12-09