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Living Apart Together: Charles Gormley classic restored

20th December 2012 Print
Charles Gormley

Long lost for years and in danger of disappearing forever this debut directorial feature and charming 80s Scottish comedy from Charles Gormley (Heavenly Pursuits - also available from Park Circus) has undergone an incredibly detailed digital restoration thanks to funding support from Creative Scotland, Channel 4/Film4 and Park Circus. The newly restored Living Apart Together will receive its world premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival in February 2013, thereafter being showcased in selected cinemas and non-theatrical venues around Scotland with a subsequent DVD release in March. Kate Robinson of Film4 said, "We're thrilled that Park Circus and Creative Scotland have helped us to give people an opportunity to screen this charming film once again."

In partnership with Creative Scotland, who stated, "We are delighted that Gormley's lost classic can now be enjoyed by audiences in Scotland and beyond", the restoration was based on the film's best possible elements allowing for a super 2K-resolution image. Working frame by frame, the result demonstrates a work of stunning quality with true High Definition detail throughout. Gormley's hidden classic can now be screened as never seen before.

Starring musician BA Robertson in one of only two on-screen roles as Ritchie Hannah - a singer/songwriter returning to his mediocre life in Glasgow after the death of a friend - Living Apart Together (1982) remains an important record of a culturally significant time in the city of Glasgow. The work is all the more interesting considering Gormley's background and first forays into filmmaking that saw him make council documentaries with fellow Glaswegian and acclaimed director Bill Forsyth (Gregory's Girl, Local Hero).

Ritchie's wife Evie (Barbara Kellerman), tired of the constant upheaval in her marriage, uses the opportunity to walk out, leaving him to care for their children. Ritchie goes in search of Evie with the help of his manager's assistant Alicia (Judi Trott), however, an attraction grows between the pair and as they widen their pursuit, it becomes apparent that Evie is not ready to return home.

Featuring original music from satirical post-punk musician BA Robertson and early appearances from Peter Capaldi and John Gordon Sinclair, Gormley's bittersweet take on relationships is a fresh and captivating insight into how our actions affect the people we love.

The new restoration of Living Apart Together will be presented at the Glasgow Film Festival, followed by screenings in selected cinemas and non-theatrical venues around Scotland. Living Apart Together will be released on DVD on 4th March 2013.

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Charles Gormley