Comfort And Joy

1984

Directed By

Bill Forsyth

Synopsis

Bill Forsyth’s charming and quirky urban fairy tale Comfort And Joy, the follow- up to his hit films Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero, is a comedy gem about ice cream van wars in Glasgow. Featuring the director’s trademark eccentric, gentle humour, Comfort And Joy was described as ‘his masterpiece’ by The Spectator.

Bill Paterson stars as Glasgow radio host Alan Bird, who, after witnessing an ice cream van being attacked, becomes embroiled in a feud between two Italian families: a turf war over who gets to sell ice cream where in the city.

Scottish writer/director Bill Forsyth burst onto the cinema scene with his whimsical romantic comedy Gregory’s Girl in 1981, showcasing his gentle wit and charm. He went on to make Local Hero in 1983 with Hollywood star Burt Lancaster, a box office hit that won him the Bafta for Best Director. Comfort And Joy, one of his best -loved films, paved the way for him to go to Hollywood, where he would work with the likes of Robin Williams and Burt Reynolds. The brilliant soundtrack is by superstar guitarist Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits, who also composed the memorable score to Forsyth’s Bafta winning Local Hero in 1983. Lyrics from Dire Straits songs are used in Comfort And Joy’s script. The film was inspired by real ice cream wars that took place in Glasgow in the 1980s.

Cast
Bill Paterson, Clare Grogan
Other Credits

Soundtrack By Mark Knopfler

Release Date
29 February 2016
extras
  • New interview with Bill Paterson
  • New interview with Clare Grogan
  • New interview with director Bill Forsyth
  • English SDH
Restoration Details

The Digital Film restoration was funded by STUDIOCANAL in collaboration with the BFI’s Unlocking Film Heritage programme (awarding funds from the National Lottery).

Pressbook

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