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Local Hero

Play trailer Poster for Local Hero PG Released Feb 17, 1983 1h 50m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss (Burt Lancaster) to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.
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Local Hero

Local Hero

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Critics Consensus

A charmingly low-key character study brought to life by a tremendously talented cast, Local Hero is as humorous as it is heartwarming.

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Critics Reviews

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Ed Potton The Times (UK) A Scottish-American charmer with a sublime soundtrack. Rated: 5/5 May 23, 2023 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian Local Hero snares your heart because it takes on a fantasy element: something to do with Happer’s visionary obsession with the stars. Rated: 5/5 May 17, 2023 Full Review Bob Thomas Associated Press Lancaster gets better with age; he is capital as the magnate with equal passions for astronomy and moneymaking. Peter Riegert is effective as his ambassador, and the Scottish actors are refreshing and adept. Nov 12, 2018 Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Just the right dose of daffy... Rated: 3/4 Sep 1, 2025 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a decent-enough comedy that generally feels like it should be much, much better. Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 27, 2024 Full Review Tim Brayton Alternate Ending It plays it as the mixture of British kitchen-sink realism and Robert Altman that I never knew I wanted. Rated: 4.5/5 Jun 5, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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John S. I’ve been rewatching around every 5 years and it’s way up on my best-of-ever list. And usually something forgotten or new to appreciate. Like the Ruskie’s capitalist bent, or a young Peter Capaldi debuting & Marina’s mermaid tail revealed at the end. And obviously the soundtrack & Ceilidh music too! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/25 Full Review Tom P. Sleeper hit with great performances throughout Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 50 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Starring the late Burt Lancaster as Happer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/09/25 Full Review Douglas G It's a quietly beautiful movie that you will enjoy and sometimes laugh; lots of subtle humor. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/30/25 Full Review Steve B Trying real hard to hit a couple of viewpoints but mostly fails because of a quirky script and weak attempts at humor. It has a fantasy vibe that pleases some. Bert Lancaster gives it some weight......the quaint Scottish townspeople have some appeal. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review Elmer B About fifteen years ago I decided that this would be my favourite film of all time, and I still maintain that today. The film it's a reflection of the very early 80s, where it seemed like nothing bad could happen. The subtle underlying surrealist touch, as well as Mark Knofler's unforgettable soundtrack, elevate the film to new heights. Obviously, it's not a film that can be understood by those born in the 21st century, with their hasty TikTok mentality. Possibly, it is not even understandable for those under 40. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Local Hero

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Cast & Crew

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Bill Forsyth

Director

Burt Lancaster

Happer

Peter Riegert

Mac

Denis Lawson

Urquhart

Fulton Mackay

Ben

Norman Chancer

Moritz

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Local Hero

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Movie Info

Synopsis Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss (Burt Lancaster) to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.
Director
Bill Forsyth
Producer
David Puttnam
Screenwriter
Bill Forsyth
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Enigma Films
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 17, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2009
Runtime
1h 50m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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