STONE ME...WHAT A PREMIERE!

Jun 12 2008 Paisley Daily Express

A BIG-screen comedy drama shot in Paisley is to be premiered at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.

Stone of Destiny is based on the true story of the daring theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey by four students.

The legendary stone – used for centuries at the coronation of Scottish, English and British monarchs – is seen by some as a symbol of Scottish independence.

On Christmas Day 1950 four Scots – Ian Hamilton, who went on to become one of Scotland’s top QCs, and friends Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson and Alan Stuart stole it from the abbey – they were never prosecuted for the raid.

It was eventually returned and was later officially taken back to Scotland, having first been used at Scone, and housed at Edinburgh Castle.

The film, starring Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Robert Carlyle and Billy Boyd, was partly filmed in the town last year causing quite a stir with locals trying to spot the movie star.

Actors Charlie Cox and Kate Mara were seen wandering around Paisley during filming and got a warm welcome from Buddies.

Paisley Abbey stood in for the more famous Westminster Abbey, and the historic Bull Inn, in New Street, was used for its period atmosphere which made it look like the pub where the plot was planned.

Filming also took place in Forbes Place, in Paisley town centre.

Now, the much anticipated feature by writer/director Charles Martin Smith is to get its first screening before a celebrity audience at the Edinburgh Film Festival on Saturday, June 21.

UK rights to distribute the movie have been acquired from Arclight Films by major players Odeon SKYFilmworks.

Boss Tony Miller, has just finalised the deal with Arclight’s President, Gary Hamilton.

Mr Miller said: “We’re thrilled to acquire this exciting British film, which has a very relevant and thought-provoking story. It’s a welcome addition to the Filmworks slate.

“I’m also delighted to be working with producers Mob and Infinity as well as Arclight from whom we acquired surveillance at The Berlin Film Festival earlier this year.”

Arclight’s President Gary Hamilton, said: “Stone of Destiny is a compelling and thoroughly entertaining British drama and we are very happy to work with Odeon SKYFilmworks on the release of this title.”

Stone of Destiny is released in the UK and Eire in Autumn 2008.