Bigger than ‘Ben-Hur’, more patriotic than ‘Braveheart’ and more sweary than ‘Train-Spotting’. It also had more ice than ‘Titanic’ (with added snow) a better soundtrack than the ‘Sound of Music’ and more drama than ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Eastenders’ combined, whilst the closing scene in the dark almost brought a tear to the eye. Even if you are not film buff place this in your ‘Must Watch’ category.
It was of course the epic tale of the ‘RAC Rally - Into the Dark’ film, starring Mike Moates, Gary McDonald and a Vauxhall Nova plus a cast of thou…, hundr… well a small but hardy band of eedji…, stalwarts, hell bent on conquering one of the last great UK motoring challenges with skill, ingenuity, tenacity, fortitude and beer, and cakes, and more beer.
On a more serious note this one hour documentary of an amateur rally crew tackling the five day 1400 mile endurance event in Winter weather was worthy of an Oscar, not just for the star cast but for the production team behind it. This was a film which brought back memories of those compulsive, informative and enjoyable Barrie Hinchliffe filmed productions in the 1970s and 80s long before the internet became a ‘thing’.
The production was professional, the interviews illuminating and the music was entirely fitting and appropriate – even if I don’t care for ‘rap’ noise! Also Steve Ryder would have been outclassed by the on-screen raconteur who popped up regularly on his ‘chaise longue’ to add couthiness and insight to the narrative.
Getting even more serious, this film deserves a wider audience. It would inform and educate the non-rallying public and should be used to stir up interest in the sport ahead of Scotland’s WRC round providing a clear contrast between clubman and professional sport. It also has educational properties and should be shown in schools, colleges and universities although the loan of the BBC ‘bleep’ machine might be an idea before younger viewers are permitted. And not just in the north east. With added sub titles it could be shown in non-Doric parts of the country!
But really the bottom line, and what was apparent in every shot, was the enjoyment, humour, fun and camaraderie of the whole team whilst capturing the spirit of the sport of rally itself.
So thank you Michael, Gary and of course Stevie Presents – ah cannae wait till the next episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SUMg3XnE4I
And as for the photo, Mike and Gary’s star quality (?) was spotted a long time ago, way back in 2003 – as seen in the ‘Scottish Rally Championship 2000-2009’ book !!
https://fife-motor-sports-agency.square.site/
#MoatesRallyTeam #steviepresents #rallyscotland
