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The second film in our pairing of Scottish cinema reunites director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty, this time for a dramedy heist film that still has all the working-class pathos Loach is famous for! In "The Angels' Share," the story begins by showing us a series of individuals all getting sentenced to "community payback" (community service) for their particular crimes: Robbie (Paul Brannigan), Albert (Gary Maitland), Rhino (William Ruane), and Mo Jasmine Riggins). They meet when they report for their first day under supervisor Harry (John Henshaw). Robbie is about to become a father and is determined to turn his life around. After witnessing Robbie getting beaten by his partner Leonie's (Siobahn Reilly) brothers and father, Harry takes Robbie under his wing. When Robbie and Leonie's son Luke is born, Harry treats Robbie to a toast with a glass of very old and expensive whiskey, which also reveals that Robbie has a very evolved sense of smell, allowing him to detect all the subtle notes and nuances of the drink. Later no, after a trip to a whiskey tasting where the group learned about the discovery of a very old and rare cask from Malt Mills distillery, Robbie hatches a plan to make them all very rich. The only problem is actually pulling off the plan without getting caught! Also starring Roger Allam. And the trio reveal which two films will make up their tribute to the late, great actor Gene Hackman!

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In December of 2024 we received a message from a fellow academic in Scotland! Hugh O'Donnell wrote us and suggested we take a look at two Scottish dramas, both from acclaimed director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty! First up, the story of 15-year-old Liam (Martin Compston) in 2002's "Sweet Sixteen!" Liam, his grandfather Rab (Tommy McKae), and his mother's boyfriend Stan (Gary McCormack), are headed to visit her in prison. Liam is counting the days until she's released, but Stan expect Liam to pass her drugs and he refuses to do so. He is beaten by Rab and Stan on the way home and kicked out of his house. He ends up moving in with his sister Chantelle (Annmarie Fulton), who tells Liam he can stay as long as he watches his infant nephew Calum. Liam desperately wants to get his mother away from Stan once she's released, and comes up with a plan to purchase a caravan (a trailer like you'd find in a US trailer park) that's on the water, away from the city. He and his best friend Pinball (William Ruane) steal Stan's stash and go into business for themselves. Unfortunately for them, that's when things start to spin out of control, and Liam's dream for his mother falls into jeopardy. This film catapulted Martin Compston into stardom on both the BBC and Amazon Prime!

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The second film in our pairing of plays young Chad once participated in during high school brings to light life in a small town at the turn of the 20th century. Directed by Sam Wood and based on a Thornton Wilder play, 1940's "Our Town" follows life in a fictional American town called "Grover's Corners" in New Hampshire. The story begins in 1901 and introduces the audience to several residents, including brother and sister George (William Holden) and Rebecca (Ruth Tobey), and next-door neighbor Emily (Martha Scott). We learn fairly quickly of the growing connection between George and Emily as they both grapple with impending adulthood. The story then moves to 1904, when George and Emily are preparing for their wedding. We're treated to a flashback to when both were juniors in high school, and how they actually admitted their feelings to one another... in a roundabout way. The ceremony concludes, although both express some reservations, and we experience a jump in time again. It is now nine years later, and we are informed of many of the people who are buried in the town cemetery, along with some of their histories. The scene then shifts to Emily, who is dying while pregnant with her second child. We experience a vision of Emily's where she is able to talk to those long-dead and re-experience past events in her life as she struggles with whether to let go and give in to death or fight for life a bit longer! Also starring Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Guy Kibbee, Fay Bainter, and Frank Craven! Plus, the gents reveal which two Scottish films, as per a listener suggestion, will make up the next pairing!

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This pairing feature films of theatrical plays that, once upon a time, included Chad among their casts, back when he was in high school. First up, it's a story of clashing cultures and classes! Directed by Hollywood legend Frank Capra, the story introduces us to Anthony Kirby (Edward Arnold) who is on the cusp of the deal of a lifetime. There's just one small impediment: A single household that refuses to sell. The family that owns it, the Vanderhofs, is led by its patriarch Martin (Lionel Barrymore), is filled with unique and bizarre personalities, including candy-maker and budding ballerina, Essie Carmichael (Ann Miller), her very Russian instructor Kolenkhov (Mischa Auer), Essie husband Ed (Dub Taylor), and a young secretary named Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur). Things get even more complicated when Anthony's son Tony (James Stewart) falls in love with Alice, who is working for him. When the two families finally meet, it's chaos and mayhem all around, with everyone winding up in jail together, and life-lessons being learned along the way! Also starring Spring Byington, Samuel S. Hinds, Donald Meek, Mary Forbes, and Eddie "Rochester' Anderson!

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