Hear My Song (1991)

100% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(557 ratings)

The owner of a British nightclub attempts to do the impossible by coaxing a legendary Irish tenor out of retirement for a once-in-a-lifetime show in this engagingly quirky comedy. The owner, Mickey O'Neill, is particularly desperate to land a performance by the great Josef Locke, as his already… More The owner of a British nightclub attempts to do the impossible by coaxing a legendary Irish tenor out of retirement for a once-in-a-lifetime show in this engagingly quirky comedy. The owner, Mickey O'Neill, is particularly desperate to land a performance by the great Josef Locke, as his already questionable reputation was ruined when he booked an impostor claiming to be Locke. Now only providing a show by the real thing can make up for it. Trouble is, Locke fled England several decades before to avoid charges of tax evasion, and would face immediate arrest upon his return. Naturally, the comedy emerges from O'Neill's desperate attempts to convince Locke to participate in the scheme. Much of the film's charm comes from the presentation of eccentric but believable characters, particularly Locke himself -- a real historical figure given warm life by Ned Beatty, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance. The film as a whole manages a similar balancing act between realism and comic fantasy, grounding even the less believable aspect of the narrative in strongly observed local color. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Peter Chelsom
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 27, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Aug 6, 1992
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

John Wirt, Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
Ned Beatty gives a great performance in the Ireland-set charmer.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Nicely judged little film from Peter Chelsom

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Ned Beatty as Josef Locke

            Adrian Dunbar as Mickey O'Neill

            David McCallum as Jim Abbott

            Tara Fitzgerald as Nancy Doyle

            Shirley Ann Field as Cathleen Doyle

            William Hootkins as Mr. X

            James Nesbitt as Fintan O'Donnell

            Terry Adams as Dressmaker

            David Beggs as 3rd Taxi Driver

            Harold Berens as Benny Rose

            Agnes Bernelle as Receptionist

            Maurice Blake as Jo's Boy

            Jean Blanchflower as Ronnie's Mum

            Paddy Cole as Jo's Boy

            Rúaidhrí Conroy as Grandson Ryan

            Constance Cowley as Nurse

            Joe Cuddy as Franc Cinatra

            John Dair as Derek

            Brian Flanagan as Young Micky O'Neill

            Aidan Grenell as Compere

            Brian Hoey as Mr. X

            Frank Kelly as 2nd Taxi Driver

            Phil Kelly as Ronnie Lavelle

            Jimmy Keogh as Jo's Boy

            Tommy Lack as Old Musician

            Pat Laffan as 1st Taxi Driver

            Mary McLeod Bethune as Librarian

            Anna Manahan as Mrs. McGlinchy

            Stephen Marcus as Gordon

            Bill Maynard as Barry Haden

            Brian McGrath as Barman

            Donna McReady as Young Cathleen

            Vernon Midgley as Josef Locke

            Bal Moane as Brewery Man

            Jim Mooney as Drunk in Pub

            Tony Morando as Jo's Boy

            Laurie Morton as Molly

            Gina Moxley as Brenda Ryan

            Marie Mullen as Micky's Mum

            Terry David Mulligan as Young Jo

            Liam O'Callaghan as Jo's Boy

            Terence Orr as Receiver

            Gladys Sheehan as Grandma Ryan

            Britta Smith as Kitty Ryan

            Norman Vaughan as Himself

            John Neville Rufus Altman as Oscar Harrison
See full cast

Trailers & Clips

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started