Restless Natives

Starring Vincent Friell (Will) and Joe Mullaney (Ronnie) and directed by Michael Hoffman (The Last Station, One Fine Day) from a script by Ninian Dunnett this much-loved film from 1985 comes with additional features including a new documentary with cast and crew.

Ronnie and Will are two under-employed Scots living on a housing estate in Edinburgh. Bored and tempted by the untapped wealth of the international tourists that swarm through the city, they hatch a wildly irresponsible plan to achieve wealth and notoriety.

Donning a wolf and a clown mask and armed with a puffer gun loaded with homemade mace they politely hold up coachloads of tourists travelling through the Highlands for a bit of cash. The duo soon become a hit with the tourists and the public alike, following in the great tradition of fellow folk heroes Robin Hood and Rob Roy. Their exploits make them a bigger tourist attraction than the Loch Ness Monster, much to the annoyance of the inept local police.

Ned Beatty (Network) also stars as a vacationing CIA Agent Fritz Bender who joins the pursuit of the outlaws, with Bernard Hill (The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King) as Will's dad and Mel Smith (Alas Smith & Jones) as a schmoozing gangster who wants to cash in on their fame.

Following the home-grown international hits Gregory's Girl (1981) and Local Hero (1983), Restless Natives bangs the drum for Scottish cultural pride with its humour, a soaring soundtrack by Big Country and stunning Highlands scenery. This spirited, establishment-mocking caper movie remains a much-loved and thoroughly enjoyable comedy gem.

First released: Monday 1st March 2021

Extra features

• Audio commentary with director Michael Hoffman, writer Ninian Dunnett and producer Andy Patterson
• A Restless Retrospective: Creating A Caledonian Classic (40 min)
• Soundtrack For A Not-So-Big-Country: The Music of Restless Natives (16 min)
• Behind the scenes stills gallery
• Trailer