IN THE summer of 1968, Hollywood actor Kurt Russell arrived in Ireland to spend nine weeks filming a movie. During that time, Russell and his fellow actors spent a great deal of time and money in the Clare, Limerick, and Galway area. The film would be released under several names, in the United States it was Guns in the Heather, while a European re-edit saw the name changed to The Secret of Boyne Castle. This was not the end, as in 1978 it was aired on US television as Spy-Busters, writes historian Sharon Slater.
THE thriller about an American exchange student in Ireland who becomes embroiled in espionage failed to wow the film going audiences or critics, even with the tag of technicolor attached. It was released as a supporting feature to the UK and Ireland release of The Love Bug, which follows the adventures of a sentient Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie.
Guns in the Heather was one of many smaller projects Russell had to complete after he signed a 10-year contract with The Walt Disney Company in the late 1960s. He also appeared in forgettable films such as The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, and The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit, in 1968, as well as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes in 1969.
Back in the Irish cinemas in 1970, many of those at Guns in the Heather were there hoping to catch a glimpse of the rarely seen footage of Ireland in the late 1960s. Adare was chosen as the Limerick location, while all the school scenes were filmed in St Flannan’s College in Ennis. They could also try and recognise a face among the 300 local extras appearing randomly on the screen.
Those who attended the Savoy showing in Limerick were keen to see a new friend to the city. On the night of August 5, 1968, racegoers at the Market’s Field were wowed to see a familiar face, that of the young Kurt Russell. The teen heartthrob was known for his role in the television show The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters airing on RTÉ at the time. With the young star came an entourage of photographers, vying to get an image for the press.
The managing director of the greyhound track, Mr JP Frost, suggested that the 17-year-old star should lead out one of the dogs. Russell enthused at the opportunity donned a white coat and took Ned Quinlivan’s fawn, Broadford Toast, by the lead. Both he and the greyhound received loud applause as they paraded up and down the field.
Once the sprint of 525 yards was over, Russell ran with the other parade men. He reached Broadford Toast, who to Russell’s delight came in first in the race. A member of Russell’s party then began to deliberate with Broadford man, Ned Quinlivan, in an endeavour to purchase the champion.
Broadford Toast already had a sibling, Broadford Doll, in America, but after brief negotiations the deal fell through. Quinlivan was not letting go of his prize winner who proved himself at several meets in the previous months.
While on the film set, he was introduced to hurling which he called a “real tough and fun”.
“The bit that gets me, though, is bouncing the ball on the stick prior to hitting it. Gee, that takes a lot of practice,” he was reported as saying at the time.
A scene was recorded of him participating in the sport with local youth players. Russell at the time was a keen sports player with a particular interest in baseball, golf, and karate.
The wrap party was held in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, two days after Russell’s visit to the Market’s Field. One of the stories that came out during the night was how a fake post office and post box were erected in Corofin. When the set team arrived to remove the faux building, they found dozens of letters posted by locals in the box.
The Market’s Field was not bereft of stars before Russell arrived as earlier that week in August 1968, Manchester United football players Denis Law, Nobby Stiles, and Bobby Charlton arrived another day as guests of Des Hanrahan, Chairman of Bord na gCon (Irish Greyhound Board).
As for Kurt Russell, his hurling training on the film set may have given him some new techniques as he continued his passion for baseball alongside his acting career. Russell played in the minor league in the early 1970s with the California Angels, the Bend Rainbows, and Walla Walla Islanders.
While his career would take him to the heights of Hollywood, for a brief Irish summer in 1968, Russell was not just a film star, but a young man enjoying the warm welcome (and competitive sports) of the Treaty County.
