Peter Capaldi’s ‘tremendous’ 80s film with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is a hidden gem

Jenny Seagrove and Peter Capaldi in a still from Local Hero

In one of his first on-screen appearances, Peter Capaldi played businessman Danny Oldsen, and the classic 80s film is available to stream on Channel 4

eter Capaldi is one of Britain’s most talented actors, with the Scottish thespian securing leading roles in the likes of Doctor Who and The Thick of It. But before he became a household name, the actor starred in a classic 80s movie that has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

In what was just his third on-screen credit, Peter played Danny Oldsen in Local Hero, a film about an American businessman representative who heads to a remote Scottish village in order to buy up the surrounding land to build an oil refinery.

At the start of the movie, Peter’s character works for the Knox Corporation, but he comes to fall for Marina, a woman with webbed toes who has a keen interest in marine life.

The synopsis for the film reads: “Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life.

“Sent by his colourful boss 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.”

If you haven’t been able to catch the classic film, which was named one of the Best British Movies of the 20th century, then it’s currently available to stream in full on Channel 4. However, fans will need to act quickly, as it leaves the platform in less than three weeks on 18 May.

Critical reception

Local Hero has been gifted with a rare 100% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus reading: “A charmingly low-key character study brought to life by a tremendously talented cast, Local Hero is as humorous as it is heartwarming.”

It has won plenty of fans over the years and former American presidential candidate, Al Gore, named the movie as his “favourite film” during an interview with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the 2000 presidential election.

Peter Riegert and Christopher Rozycki sitting on a jetty in a still from Local Hero© Alamy Stock Photo
The film was named No. 33 in the Best British Films of the 20th century

In a five-star review for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw opined: “Bill Forsyth’s happy-sad tale about a fishing village under threat from US oil money is as wonderful as ever, with standout turns from Burt Lancaster and youthful Peter Capaldi.”

One fan said: “A magical movie. Watch it more than once for clues to the Meaning of Life and the human need for community. Money isn’t everything!” while a second commented: “I’ve been rewatching around every 5 years and it’s way up on my best-of-ever list.“

Peter Capaldi and Peter Riegert in a still from Local Hero© Alamy Stock Photo
Fans have been universal in their love for the film

A third added: “It’s a quietly beautiful movie that you will enjoy and sometimes laugh; lots of subtle humour,” and a fourth wrote: “Continues to be my favourite film. You always feel better after having watched it. Its message is particularly relevant today in terms of pressures on the environment from development and climate change.”

Who stars in Local Hero?

Alongside Peter, the film stars Peter Riegert (The Mask), Burt Lancaster (The Rainmaker), Fulton Mackay (Porridge), Denis Lawson (Star Wars), Jenny Seagrove (Judge John Deed), Jennifer Black (Rebus), Norman Chancer (Outland), Rikki Fulton (Scotch and Wry) and Alex Norton (Two Doors Down).

Cast members of Local Hero inclucing Fulton Mackay, Burt Lancaster, Christoper Rozycki, Peter Riegert, Peter Capaldi, Jennifer Black and Denis Lawson© Alamy Stock Photo
The film stars several major and up-and-coming stars

Completing the cast of the classic movie are Christopher Rozycki (Downton Abbey), Christopher Asante (Desmond’s), John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory’s Girl), Caroline Guthrie (Dept. Q), John M. Jackson (NCIS), Jimmy Yuill (EastEnders), Tam Dean Burn (River City), Sandra Voe (Call the Midwife) and Jonathan Watson (Bob Servant Independent).