The Duke (1998 film)

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The Duke
Directed by John McArdle
Screenplay by John McArdle
Produced by Sara Proudfoot Clinch
Starring Tony Booth
Lee Gilbert
Nicola Stephenson
Cinematography Bruce McGowan
Edited by Stephen Parry
Music by Stephen Warbeck
Release date
  • 1998 (1998)
Running time
17 minutes
Country UK Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
Language English

The Duke is a 1998 British short film written and directed by John McArdle, produced by Sarah Proudfoot Clinch and starring Tony Booth, Lee Gilbert, and Nicola Stephenson. Set in 1955 Liverpool, it tells the story of a young boy who believes that his grandfather is John Wayne.

Contents

Plot

While watching a Western at the cinema with his mother, 7-year-old Jack (Gilbert) discovers that his grandfather Tom (Booth) looks like John Wayne. Upon returning home, he excitedly informs his grandfather, who asks him whether he can keep a secret. At school Jack reveals the secret to his schoolmates, who jeer and refuse to believe him. Later that day his grandfather discovers him crying, and decides to help him out. There is a dramatic showdown, where Tom organizes a horse and rides in to vindicate Jack. In the end, Jack and his grandfather ride down off down a Liverpool street lined with brick houses that dissolve into Monument Valley.

Cast

Production

This short was filmed in Liverpool and funded by the British Council.[ citation needed ] The score was composed by Academy Award winner Stephen Warbeck.

Reception

It was screened at film festivals around the world, including Cannes, and won several awards, [1] including Presidente del Consiglio Regionale del la Compagnia at the Giffoni Film Festival [2] and Best Short at the Kodak Emerging New European Talent festival. [1] It also was screened at the 1999 BBC Short Film Festival [3]

Note: The British Film Directory inaccurately lists the film as being released in 2004. [4]

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References

  1. 1 2 "The Duke: Award winning short film starring Tony Booth". Rosie Lee Productions. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013.
  2. "Editione 29". Giffoni Film Festival. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  3. "Stars glitter in film shorts". BBC News.
  4. "The Duke". British Film Directory. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2012.