Tuesday, Film4, 11:15pm
Hear My Song (1991), the kind of delightful, under-the-radar British-Irish film that sneaks up on you and leaves you wondering why it isn’t better known. A charming blend of comedy, drama, and just a hint of the absurd, the film follows a hapless nightclub owner (Adrian Dunbar, who also co-wrote the script) trying to track down the legendary Irish tenor Josef Locke, played with mischievous grandeur by Ned Beatty. It’s a story of redemption, romance, and the power of music, all wrapped up in a caper-like adventure that’s as warm-hearted as it is entertaining.
Now, onto the real star—the soundtrack. Given that the film revolves around the mystery and legend of Josef Locke, the music is naturally front and centre. We get some glorious renditions of Locke’s famous songs, including Hear My Song, Violetta and Come Back to Sorrento, performed with operatic flair. The score, composed by John Altman, is a lush, emotive affair that balances the film’s comedic and sentimental beats beautifully. Altman, an accomplished arranger and composer, brings a grand, old-school cinematic quality to the music, making it feel both nostalgic and larger than life. The soundtrack is a collector’s delight, especially for fans of classical crossover and golden-age vocalists.
Though Hear My Song didn’t exactly sweep the awards circuit, it earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and its cult appeal has endured. Locke himself, who had been a rather enigmatic figure in real life, saw a resurgence of interest thanks to the film. If you fancy a bit of offbeat, feel-good cinema with a knockout musical core, this one’s well worth a listen—er, watch. And if the soundtrack tickles your fancy, track it down, pour yourself a whiskey, and let Josef Locke’s voice do the rest.
- Paul Allen