The Van (Original title)
Dates: 1996 (Copyright), 29 November 1996 (Release)Countries: Ireland, USA, United KingdomDirector: Stephen Frears
Synopsis: In Barrytown, in the suburbs of north Dublin, Bimbo, a baker who has recently been made redundant and his unemployed friend Larry decide to start a fast food business from a dilapidated van. They begin the arduous process of cleaning the van and learning to make battered fish, chips and burgers with the aim of launching their business in time for the football World Cup in June 1990. The business flourishes, but their friendship deteriorates, with Bimbo feeling that Larry doesn’t take the work seriously enough and Larry resenting Bimbo’s wife Maggie’s interference in the business.
Genre: Comedy
Subjects: Fast food, Small businesses, Unemployment, Friendships, Family life, World Cup 1990
Releases
Date: 29 November 1996Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 1.85:1Runtime: 99 mins 41 secs - Length: 8971 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: 20th Century Fox International (UK)
Date: 29 November 1996Country: IrelandRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 1.85:1Runtime: 99 mins Dialogue (original): English
Title: The numbers: The royal mintAuthor: GANT, Charles Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: A brief analysis of the UK box-office performance of The QUE EN on its first week. Table shows gross takings of Stephen F rears' films at the UK box-office sine 1988.
In: Film Ireland n55 Oct/Nov 1996 Page: 34
Title: [Film Ireland - n55 Oct/Nov 1996: no known title]Author: FLYNN, Bob Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Positif n427 September 1996 Pages: 42-43
Title: Les filmsAuthor: VIVIANI, Christian Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
In: 24 Images n83/84 Autumn 1996 Page: 47
Title: [24 Images - n83/84 Autumn 1996: no known title]Author: MARSOLAIS, Gilles Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
Description: Reviewed at the 1996-49th Cannes International Film Festival
In: Screen International n1059 24 May 1996 Page: 20
Title: ReviewsAuthor: JOHNSTON, Sheila Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Moving Pictures International n18 May 1996 Pages: 19-26
Title: Hot on the croisetteArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: List of films chosen by Moving Pictures correspondents which present alternatives to the high profile products.
In: Sight and Sound v6 n12 December 1996 Page: 56
Title: reviewsAuthor: FELPERIN, Leslie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Empire n90 December 1996 Page: 38
Title: new filmsAuthor: ERRIGO, Angie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Empire n90 December 1996 Page: 148
Title: books...producing the goodsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Roddy Doyle talks about his role as co-producer on The VAN (1996).
In: Variety 20 May 1996 Page: 36
Title: [Variety - 20 May 1996: no known title]Author: STRATTON, David Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Moving Pictures International n12 October 1995 Page: 46
Title: New Irish reelsAuthor: MAURER, Monika Article type: Prod. ReportLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1007 12 May 1995 Page: 2
Title: In shortArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
In: Film Ireland n48 Aug/Sep 1995 Page: 6
Title: Production NewsArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: THE VAN has gone into production, and is not availing of section 35 tax incentives.
In: Variety 5 Jun 1995 Page: 18
Title: [Variety - 5 Jun 1995: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English
Description: further credits
In: Film Ireland n44 December 1994 Page: 5
Title: Production for 1995Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Very brief production note.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(6)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031336
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(3)
Description: Umatic (unspecified)Line standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: N-622213
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: D3Duration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031317
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031336
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedStock date: 1996Stock date: 1997BFI identifier: N-622164
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magnetic recordingBase: PolyesterSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-622199
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magnetic recordingBase: PolyesterSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-622257
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Dates: 1996 (Copyright), 29 November 1996 (Release)Countries: Ireland, USA, United KingdomDirector: Stephen Frears
Synopsis: In Barrytown, in the suburbs of north Dublin, Bimbo, a baker who has recently been made redundant and his unemployed friend Larry decide to start a fast food business from a dilapidated van. They begin the arduous process of cleaning the van and learning to make battered fish, chips and burgers with the aim of launching their business in time for the football World Cup in June 1990. The business flourishes, but their friendship deteriorates, with Bimbo feeling that Larry doesn’t take the work seriously enough and Larry resenting Bimbo’s wife Maggie’s interference in the business.
Genre: Comedy
Subjects: Fast food, Small businesses, Unemployment, Friendships, Family life, World Cup 1990
Releases
Date: 29 November 1996Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 1.85:1Runtime: 99 mins 41 secs - Length: 8971 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: 20th Century Fox International (UK)
Date: 29 November 1996Country: IrelandRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyAspect ratio: 1.85:1Runtime: 99 mins Dialogue (original): English
Credits
(107)
©: A Deadly Films Production, Production Company: Deadly Films, In association with: Beacon Pictures, Developed with the help of: European Script Fund, Presents: Fox Searchlight Pictures, [Presented] in association with: BBC Films, Executive Producer: Mark Shivas, Produced by: Lynda Myles, Co-producer: Roddy Doyle, Line Producer: Mary Alleguen, Production Co-ordinator: Fran Byrne, Production Accountant: Donal Geraghty, Assistant Accountant: Sally Ann Gately, Unit Manager: John McDonnell, Location Manager: John McDonnell, Assistant Location Manager: Andrew Hegarty, Assistant Location Manager: Liam Grant, Post-production Supervisor: Stephen Barker, Production Secretary: Bernadette Lovett, 1st Assistant Director: Martin O'Malley, 2nd Assistant Director: Marian Barlow, 3rd Assistant Director: Willie Smith, Trainee Assistant Director: Miriam Coleman, Script Supervisor: Penny Eyles, Casting by: Leo Davis, Casting Assistant: Pippa Hall, Screenplay by: Roddy Doyle, Based on the novel by: Roddy Doyle, Director of Photography: Oliver Stapleton, Camera Operator: Rodrigo Gutierrez, Camera Operator: Michael Proudfoot, Focus Puller: Ivan Meagher, Clapper Loader: Conor Kelly, Gaffer: Larry Prinz, Best Boy: Jim Farrell, Electrician: Graham Haughton, Electrician: Stephen McCarthy, Electrician: Séan Cahill, Genny Driver: Kevin Scott, Martin Holland, Grip: John Etherington, Grip: Allan Hughes, Stills Photographer: Jonathan Hession, Special Effects Technician: Graham Bushe, Editor: Mick Audsley, 1st Assistant Editor: Mary Casey, 2nd Assistant Editor: Celia Haining, Lightworks Assistant: Nigel Barker, Editing Ireland: Windmill Lane Studios, Post-production Facilities UK: De Lane Lea Sound Centre, Production Designer: Mark Geraghty, Art Director: Fiona Daly, Assistant Art Director: Clodagh Conroy, Draughtsman: Conor Devlin, Props Buyer: Sunny Mulligan, Props Master: Eamon O'Higgins, Dressing Props: Turlo Nicholson, Dressing Props: Dave Peters, Chargehand Standby Props: Nuala McKernan, Standby Props: Daragh Lewis, Construction Manager: Russ Bailey, Costume Designer: Consolata Boyle, Wardrobe Supervisor: Rhona McGuirke, Wardrobe Assistant: Anne O'Halloran, Allison Byrne, Chief Make-up Artist: Morna Ferguson, Assistant Make-up: Jennifer Hegarty, Chief Hairdresser: Anne Dunne, Assistant Hairdresser: Martina McCarthy, Titles Designed by: Julian Rothenstein, Titles: Frameline, Titles: Cine Image Film Opticals Ltd, Opticals: Frameline, Opticals: Cine Image Film Opticals Ltd, Film Stock: Fuji Film, Colour by: Technicolor Limited, Original Music by: Eric Clapton, Richard Hartley, [Music] Performed by: Eric Clapton, Eric Clapton's Band (Bass): Dave Bronze, Eric Clapton's Band (Drums): Steve Gadd, Eric Clapton's Band (Piano/Organ): Chris Stainton, Eric Clapton's Band (Guitar): Andy Fairweather-Low, Eric Clapton's Band (Harmonica): Jerry Portnoy, Eric Clapton's Band (Guitar Technician): Lee Dickson, Eric Clapton's Band (Drum Technician): Ravi Sharman, Music Recorded by: Alan Douglas, Music Recorded at: Olympic Studios, [Production] Sound Mixer: Brendan Deasy, Trevor O'Connor, Boom Operator: Eddie Quinn, Boom Operator: Barry O'Sullivan, Re-recording Mixer: Peter Maxwell, Re-recording Mixer: Mick Boggis, Supervising Sound Editor: Peter Joly, Digital Sound Editor: Jennie Evans, Dialogue Editor: Danny Longhurst, Foley Editor: Gordon Brown, Stunt Co-ordinator: Patrick Condren, Lawyer: Billy Hinshelwood, Unit Publicist: Corbett & Keene, Camera Equipment: Sammy's, Lighting Equipment: Cine Electric, Grip Equipment: Grip House, Completion Guarantors: Film Finances, With special thanks to: Chris Auty
Cast
(42)
Colm Meaney (Larry), Donal O'Kelly (Brendan Reeves, 'Bimbo'), Ger Ryan (Maggie Reeves), Caroline Rothwell (Mary), Neilí Conroy (Diane), Ruaidhrí Conroy (Kevin), Brendan O'Carroll (Weslie), Stuart Dunne (Sam), Jack Lynch (Cancer), Laurie Morton (Maggie's mum), Marie Mullen (Vera), Jon Kenny (Gerry McCarthy), Moses Rowen (Glenn Reeves), Linda Mcgovern (Jessica), Eoin Chaney (Wayne Reeves), Frank O'Sullivan (Wally), Jill Doyle (Mona), Barbara Bergin (Dawn), Charlotte Bradley (Anne Marie), Ronan Wilmot (bald man), Stanley Townsend (Des, health inspector), Sheila Flitton (Missis Twix), Alan King (mechanic), Bernie Downes (pregnant woman), Martin Dunne (Garda sergeant), Tommy O'Neill (nightclub barman), Eilish Moore (bingo woman), Paul Raynor (pitch & putt man), Eileen Walsh (crushed girl), Sandra Bagnall (complaining woman), Fionnuala Murphy (young woman), Michael O'Reilly (Arsenal supporter), David Kelly (boy with choc ice), Lee Bagnall (crying boy), Jamie Bagnall (other kid), David Byrne (Barry), Gavin Kelty (World Peace), Claude Clancy (Leo the barman), Michelle Gallagher (girl), Arthur Napper (nightclub bouncer), Jessie O'Gorman (Kerrie), Mark Dunne (boy)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(15)
In: Sight and Sound v16 n11 November 2006 Page: 6Title: The numbers: The royal mintAuthor: GANT, Charles Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: A brief analysis of the UK box-office performance of The QUE EN on its first week. Table shows gross takings of Stephen F rears' films at the UK box-office sine 1988.
In: Film Ireland n55 Oct/Nov 1996 Page: 34
Title: [Film Ireland - n55 Oct/Nov 1996: no known title]Author: FLYNN, Bob Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Positif n427 September 1996 Pages: 42-43
Title: Les filmsAuthor: VIVIANI, Christian Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
In: 24 Images n83/84 Autumn 1996 Page: 47
Title: [24 Images - n83/84 Autumn 1996: no known title]Author: MARSOLAIS, Gilles Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
Description: Reviewed at the 1996-49th Cannes International Film Festival
In: Screen International n1059 24 May 1996 Page: 20
Title: ReviewsAuthor: JOHNSTON, Sheila Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Moving Pictures International n18 May 1996 Pages: 19-26
Title: Hot on the croisetteArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: List of films chosen by Moving Pictures correspondents which present alternatives to the high profile products.
In: Sight and Sound v6 n12 December 1996 Page: 56
Title: reviewsAuthor: FELPERIN, Leslie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Empire n90 December 1996 Page: 38
Title: new filmsAuthor: ERRIGO, Angie Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Empire n90 December 1996 Page: 148
Title: books...producing the goodsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Roddy Doyle talks about his role as co-producer on The VAN (1996).
In: Variety 20 May 1996 Page: 36
Title: [Variety - 20 May 1996: no known title]Author: STRATTON, David Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Moving Pictures International n12 October 1995 Page: 46
Title: New Irish reelsAuthor: MAURER, Monika Article type: Prod. ReportLanguage: English
In: Screen International n1007 12 May 1995 Page: 2
Title: In shortArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
In: Film Ireland n48 Aug/Sep 1995 Page: 6
Title: Production NewsArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: THE VAN has gone into production, and is not availing of section 35 tax incentives.
In: Variety 5 Jun 1995 Page: 18
Title: [Variety - 5 Jun 1995: no known title]Article type: Prod. DetailsLanguage: English
Description: further credits
In: Film Ireland n44 December 1994 Page: 5
Title: Production for 1995Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Very brief production note.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(6)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031336
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(3)
Description: Umatic (unspecified)Line standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: N-622213
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: D3Duration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031317
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 95.4 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALTX date: 1999-02-07BFI identifier: C-1031336
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedStock date: 1996Stock date: 1997BFI identifier: N-622164
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magnetic recordingBase: PolyesterSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-622199
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magnetic recordingBase: PolyesterSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-622257
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film