FILM fan who fell in love with Inverclyde's scenery

FILM fan who fell in love with Inverclyde's scenery

August 28, 2006

Greenock Telegraph(Scotland)


A FILM fan who fell in love with Inverclyde's scenery because of a movie has paid a visit to the area.

Catherine Groger, from near Seattle in America, came to Greenock and Gourock to visit the setting for the film Dear Frankie.

The movie, written by Greenock screenwriter and actress Andrea Gibb, was shot in Inverclyde in 2003.

Catherine, from Monroe in Washington State, came to Greenock on Thursday and paid a visit to the Tele.

She said: "I came to Greenock especially to see where Dear Frankie was filmed. It was such a charming film and so personal.

"You really feel part of the movie, and coming here almost feels like coming home in a way.

"It really showcases this part of the country really well. Dear Frankie is such a heartwarming story and there aren't that many of those about these days." The tale of a mother and her son trying to build a life in a new town made a big splash in America, although few Scots have seen it.

Dear Frankie, starring Gerard Butler and Emily Mortimer, was released in UK cinemas a year-and-a-half ago, but did not have the impact that it had in the US.

Provost Ciano Rebecchi said: "If people watch a film and they see somewhere that the scenery looks nice then they want to go there.

"It is a big plus for us and we have got some beautiful scenery, the colours are beautiful here too. It is great for us if people see the film and want to visit."

During her trip, Catherine went to Cardwell Bay, Battery Park, Greenock Esplanade and Campbell Street, where scenes from the film were shot.

In June, two women from Tennessee came to see the sights from the movie and, in December, girls from California and Texas are coming to Greenock for a holiday to see where their favourite film was set.


http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/readstory.php?id=7582