Sir Sean Connery to get Bahamas screening of son's film

Sir Sean Connery's son Jason has revealed that a special screening of his new period drama about the 'godfather of golf' will be laid on for the James Bond

Jason Connery with Dylan Neilson, who stars in the film. Picture: SWNS

The news was revealed by Jason Connery as he unveiled father-and-son drama Tommy’s Honour to a star-studded audience at the Festival Theatre, where Sir Sean bowed out of the festival with an emotional farewell six years ago.

Award-winning Scottish actor Peter Mullan and rising home-grown star Jack Lowden portray St Andrews-born Old Tom Morris - widely regarded as the founding father of the sport - and his son Tommy, who went on to match his Open championship-winning achievements in the 19th century, before dying tragically at the age of just 24.

Sex and the City favourite Kim Cattrall, leading British actresses Sadie Frost and Joanne Froggatt and Hollywood legend Meg Ryan are among the big names flying in. Leading Scottish stars taking part include Dougray Scott, Martin Compston, Brian Cox, James Cosmo and Shauna Macdonald.

Sir Sean Connery with sone Jason in April 1988. Picture: TSPL

Shot across more than 50 locations in Fife and East Lothian in just over a month, Tommy’s Honour is the fifth movie to be made by Jason Connery, who launched his own acting career more than 30 years ago.It explores the human story behind the two golfers who each won four Open tournaments in the 19th century.

The 53-year-old said: “I think the names of Old Tom and Young Tom Morris are really well known known in Scotland as entities, but I don’t think their actual story is or the impact they had on the world of golf.

“I remember my dad talking about St Andrews and he obviously knew the story of them. When I started talking to him about this project I just couldn’t believe it hadn’t been turned into a film before. But I never said I was making a golfing movie, golf was just the backdrop. He read the script and was very encouraging.

“It’s a family drama, it’s a love story and it’s also about all the stuff that was going on with the industrial revolution that was just beginning in the 19th century.

Sir Sean Connery with sone Jason in April 1988. Picture: TSPL

“I’m actually going to be doing a special premiere at a local cinema in the Bahamas right after the festival has finished. I talked with dad abouit it and I’m really excited about it. He has a lot of friends over there and my whole family is going to be there as well.”

Tommy’s Honour will book-end the 70th EIFF with another high-profile Scottish film, a remake of war-time comedy Whisky Galore, starring Gregor Fisher and Eddie Izzard.

Connery added: “It was pretty hard work and an intense shoot, but there is a really depth of talent in the film. Jack Lowden is going to be a really big actor and I wanted Peter for the role of Old Tom from day one.

“He is one of the best actors of his generation. He sees acting as a team sport - I totally agree with him.”