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Highlander

Year: 1986
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Cast: Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery .
Set Locations:
Scotland: Spectacular Glencoe in Argyll was used as was Fort William in the Highlands

Highlander was released in 1986 and signalled the opening of the 'Highlander Universe', which spawned several films and a long running spin-off TV series. For many, however, this was the first and always the best of the Highlander series.

The tale begins with Connor MacLeod, born in Scotland in 1518. His clan are fighting with the Fraser clan. During his first battle with them in 1536 he becomes aware that he is not like the rest of his clan. The Fraser clan have an immortal called Kurgan fighting for them. He is aware that Connor is immortal like him and is seeking him out in the battle specifically to kill him before he realises what he is. Kurgan mortally wounds Connor MacLeod. But he fails to decapitate Connor and this is the only way an immortal can be killed. The MacLeod clan are already mourning his death when he recovers miraculously. Unfortunately, his clan are unable to accept this recovery and accuse him of witchcraft, driving him out of the village. He meets another immortal Ramirez (played by Sean Connery) who trains him in the ways of the immortals and helps to improve his swordsmanship. He tells him that all immortals are destined to fight until there is only one left. The key slogan of the film is 'There can be only one!'. Kurgan later returns and finds Ramirez at Connor's home with Connor's wife Heather. He kills Ramirez and rapes Heather.

In modern day New York City, the final confrontation approaches; 'The Gathering', where the last few Immortals battle it out for 'The Prize'. Connor finally gets his revenge on Kurgan and wins 'The Prize', which includes mortality and the ability to have children (something denied to Immortals) as well as other powers.

Although MacLeod ends up in New York, he spends many mortal lives in Britain before he gets there. The early scenes in Scotland are filmed at various locations including Eilean Donan Castle , at Kyle of Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands. This beautiful castle stands on an island off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, connected to the mainland by a bridge.

The first battle scene took place at Glencoe , a breathtakingly picturesque part of the Highlands. It was the scene of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692 but today is a popular tourist destination for its rugged beauty. Surrounded by wild mountainous countryside, it has been described as one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Macleod also spent time in Greenwich in London. If you are visiting Greenwich the Royal Naval College and Maritime Museum are a must for your itinerary. Greenwich also has the famous clipper ship, the Cutty Sark, as well as the Royal Observatory (home of Greenwich Meantime) and the delightfully expansive Greenwich Park.

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It is the heart always that sees, before the head can see. - Thomas Carlyle
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On this day:
Battle of Towton - 1461, Battle of Alresford - 1644, Albert Hall Opens - 1871, Captain Scott dies - 1912, First London Marathon - 1981
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