The film's plot is fairly simple. Mac (Peter Riegert) goes to a Scottish town, in order to buy it to build a huge oil-refining complex. While he deals with the colorful locals, he comes to fall in love with the village and with Scotland. At the end, it looks as though the deal will fall through, since one man refuses to sell out. The Godlike CEO (Burt Lancaster) who comes to seal the deal eventually resolves matters to (almost) everyone's satisfaction.
Read as such, there isn't a great deal to the film. It is, however, a delight to watch. This film was certainly the high point of Riegert's career, and he shines here, going from a man completely uncomfortable with his Scottish surroundings, to fitting in so completely that his old boss no longer recognizes him. This is one of the great roles in the indian summer of Lancaster's career, as well. He portrays a man completely out of touch with his corporate cronies, but who finally finds someone who understands him among the common people.
Unlike some comedies, there isn't a particular line or scene to watch out for in this film. It is easiest just to experience it slowly, take it all in. In some ways, it is a 1980's remake of Brigadoon. The ending is very fine; it is wistful and sad, without being mawkishly sentimental. A lesser film would present Mac's departure as a highly emotional sentimental goodbye. Forsyth does not give in to the temptation to end the film this way. And it is only in the lack of tears that we see (and feel) the true pain of departure. The final image, that of a telphone ringing unanswered, haunts the memory. A very, very fine film. I highly recommend it.
Four stars
Copyright 1997 by Dale G. Abersold
