“ON THE ROAD TO LISBON” – Funding Opportunity
By Michael Herron
Twenty-fifth May 1967 is engraved on the hearts of all Celtic fans.
The Final in Lisbon was one of the three most important days in Celtic’s history. The other two were the founding of Celtic by Brother Walfrid and the salvation by Fergus McCann and the rebels of Celtic as a football club from the clutches of the old board.
The triumph in Lisbon really put Celtic on the map of European and World football by becoming the first non-Latin club to win the European Cup. There have been a number of TV programmes about the Lisbon Lions but so far there has been no film made, and none about the fans who made the journey to Lisbon.
Since Jock Stein, himself, said “Football is nothing without the fans,” this movie will remedy this omission as it tells the story of a group of Glaswegian school pals’ epic road trip through France, Spain and Portugal in a 12 seater VW minibus.
This adventurous football film and road movie On the One Road to Lisbon puts Celtic’s European Cup win in the spotlight but it also means so much on a personal level.
Hail Hail Stevie Chalmers 💚💚 #CelticFC #LisbonLions pic.twitter.com/QjnsuH05Rk
— The Italian Celts CSC (@ItalianCeltsCSC) April 29, 2020
It tells the story of our father and uncles’ journey to Lisbon, set against the backdrop of 1960s music and culture. Celtic fans who did not make the trip can feel they were there and those that did make the trip can relive those golden moments.
The script tells the story of 1967 Glasgow through its authentic and real characters, but there is also international tones as husband and wife, Frank and Pat Herron, meet the Celtic team at their Hollywood hotel during their North American tour in 1966. And of course, we witness this group of young lads experience Europe for the first time in the 60s.
The funny script and throbbing soundtrack really bring the spirit of “The Swinging Sixties” back to life which will make even non-sports fans nostalgic for “The Summer of Love”.
We are presently in discussions with two leading producers of football films, but would ideally like Celtic fans to help finance this film not only because it marks one of the most important moments in Celtic’s history but we also believe it would be successful at the box office, given the love for Celtic and the love of football worldwide. So we are looking for both wealthy donors but also those who want to be a part of this historic film.
One could say it is a mix of “THE ITALIAN JOB”, and “THE DAMNED UNITED”. One has been described as one of the best and most important British films of all time and the other is one of the most important football films.
Both have been suggested upon the reading of my book “On the One Road to Lisbon”.
My sister, Kate, who is a film & TV producer is working closely with her contacts to make this film come alive. She suggested bringing on the support of Celtic fans.
So if any readers want to be part of film and football history please get in touch.
This film has the potential to be a blockbuster!
Michael Herron
Please contact Kate.Herron@TheScreen.Biz
https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Road-Lisbon-Michael-Herron/dp/1788037693
Read David Potter’s tribute to Stevie Chalmers below…
Stevie Chalmers – that gentleman of Lisbon | The Celtic Star https://t.co/DMwoBXbOGw
— The Celtic Star Editor – INVINCIBLE (@CelticStarMag) April 29, 2020
And yesterday David Potter also remembered another Lisbon Lion, Willie O’Neill…
Lisbon Lion, Willie O’Neill…https://t.co/u8tEEhSxMF
— The Celtic Star Editor – INVINCIBLE (@CelticStarMag) April 28, 2020
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