‘Outrageously funny and highly subversive’ – original whisky comedy screens in Christchurch

See the original black and white film of whisky mayhem made by Ealing Studios in 1948

In February 1941 it was wartime and in Scotland whisky was under strict rationing. So when the SS Politician ran aground off Eriskay on the west coast of Scotland on its way to Jamaica carrying over 28,000 cases of malt whisky the islanders were spurred into action.

Jumping into small boats they descended on the merchant ship and “rescued” what they could of the 240,000 bottles of Scotland’s finest. The government jumped in and the men from Customs and Excise determined to stop what they saw as looting fought running battles with the islanders to recover the cargo.

The incident became the stuff of legends and inspired the bestselling novel Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie, which was then in 1948 adapted by Ealing Studio into a film that has become a modern day classic.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the incident and to mark the occasion, specialist whisky supplier, Whisky Galore in Christchurch is bringing the original black and white film to Christchurch.

The cult Scottish comedy classic is part of the biennial Dramfest ’11 expo – Australasia’s largest whisky expo that runs from 25 – 27 February, 2011.

“We are excited to have this showing because the stranding of the SS Politician and the actions of the islanders has become a whisky legend,” says Whisky Galore owner, Michael Fraser Milne. “There is still so much mystery around the voyage and the cargo. Why weren’t the islanders allowed to salvage what was on the ship, why did Customs see it as looting. Some of the islanders even went to jail.”

Michael Fraser Milne says: “This is one of the great Ealing comedies and to have the original films to show in Christchurch is a rare opportunity for both film and whisky lovers.”

The original film was shot on the island of Barra in Scotaland in 1948 and starred a host of Scottish stars, including James Robertson Justice, Duncan Macrae and Gordon Jackson, with Basil Radford as the officious English Home Guard captain Waggett.

To celebrate the screening there will be whisky tastings before the film.

Date: 25 February, 2011
Time: 7:00pm for 7:30pm screening (includes whisky appreciation and canapés before)

Venue: Regent Theatre, Worcester St, Christchurch
Cost: $35.00
Dress: 1940s period costume (optional)

A full programme of workshops and exhibitors for Dramfest ‘11 is available at dramfest.co.nz. Tickets for the event are available from Whisky Galore or on line at www.whiskygalore.co.nz or www.dramfest.co.nz