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Robert Duvall, renowned for his role in The Godfather, developed a deep affection for Scottish football and decided to make a movie centered around it. This passion led him to visit multiple football stadiums across Scotland, ranging from the iconic Hampden Park in Glasgow to Palmerston Park in Dumfries. His involvement culminated in the film *A Shot at Glory*, which, while not considered among his best cinematic achievements, remains a cherished memory for many Scottish football supporters who witnessed its production firsthand.
Back in 1998, Giancarlo Rinaldi, then a reporter for the Dumfries and Galloway Standard, received an unforgettable tip-off: Robert Duvall was arriving shortly at the Gracefield Arts Centre car park. The actor, famous for portraying the Consigliere in The Godfather, had come to Dumfries to inspect Palmerston Park as a potential filming location. After a brief conversation, Duvall was swept away, leaving Rinaldi to wonder if the encounter had truly occurred. The following year, Duvall returned to film scenes at Queen of the South’s stadium, where thousands gathered to watch the shooting of the fictional football team Kilnockie FC’s journey to the Scottish Cup final.
The movie’s cast also included Ally McCoist, a notable figure who took part both in front of the camera and as an extra in many takes of football scenes. The filming days were extremely lively, marking some of the busiest moments for venues like Palmerston Park. An Oscar-winner pacing the sidelines at such a ground was a unique sight. Additional filming locations extended to Hampden Park, Dumbarton’s former stadium Boghead, and the village of Crail in Fife. The storyline follows a football manager striving to lead his modest team to cup success amid challenging circumstances, including managing a star player—portrayed by McCoist—who is married to the manager’s daughter, played by Kirsty Mitchell. The club owner, played by Michael Keaton, adds further tension by threatening to relocate the team to Ireland.
Aside from his on-screen role, Duvall immersed himself in the Scottish football world, frequently attending matches to capture the sport’s authentic atmosphere. Prior to the 1999 Scottish Cup final, he appeared as a pundit alongside Dougie Donnelly, sharing insights into the film’s plot. “It is about a smaller team that plays in the cup and almost beats a bigger team,” Duvall explained, while McCoist described the project as “the chance of a lifetime.” When released in 2000, *A Shot at Glory* received mixed reviews, with some critics noting the imperfections in Duvall’s Scottish accent. Nevertheless, the film holds a special place in the hearts of numerous Scottish fans and extras who witnessed the blending of their local culture with the artistry of one of Hollywood’s finest actors
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