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THE CELTIC CONNECTION » MARCH 1992
THE COMMITMENTS
READ THE BOOK FIRST
THE COMMITMENTS By Roddy Doyle A Minerva Paperback 165 pages, $8.95
Reviewed by SHARON GREER
I strongly recommend reading Roddy Doyle's brilliant story, The Commitments before you see the film version. Judging from the many comments I overheard leaving the cinema, reading the book nas the unquestionable advantage of going over words you may miss due to the heavy Dublin accents you hear in the movie. I remember one woman saying, "I liked the film but I didn't understand most of what they said".
The book enables you to at least see the written word even though a glossary at the beginning of it for reference purposes would be extremely helpful. I had to ask an Irish friend of mine what a few
words meant.
The Commitments is Doyle's first novel and it is the youthful tale of a group of friends who decide to start a band — in particular, a soul band. It is an hilarious and delightful story of the decidedly difficult and onerous task of trying to get a band started and keeping it together.
You really get a sense of the dedication and determination it takes to survive and be successful in the music world. It's remaining successful that's the tough part. But most of all, it is about the eternal hopefulness of youth — of never giving up—of going on no matter what happens. And believe me plenty happens in this story.
The exploits of this peculiar collection of oddballs are uproarious and the book is chockfull of characters. Jimmy Rabbitte is the manager of this motley crew and once he has his group formed, spends most of his
time getting them to rehearse, trying to get them gigs and, finally, attempting to get a record cut. The rest of his time is spent keeping them from each other's throats. There is a fair amount of bickering going on amongst this crowd, but it is all done in a very comical vein.
This story explodes with soul from JamesBrown's//NightTrain","Out of Sight" and "Superbad" to "Chain Gang" by Sam Cooke and many, many more tunes. The book and of course the film are full of music and a joy to read and watch. The narrative moves very quickly and can easily be read straight through and the film is one I will enjoy again. (It will be shownat the Ridge Theatre in Vancouver on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17 at 9:25 pm) Don't miss it.
Roddy Doyle has also written two other novels, "The Snapper" and "The Van" as well as two plays "Brownbread" and "War". Watch out for them in upcoming reviews
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
VANCOUVER
March 13 - Highland Association -Wind-up ceilidh at Scottis Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street;
March 14 - B.C. Pipers Association, knock-out competition. Scottish Cultural Centre. Call (604) 263-9911.
March 14 - The Connolly People at Culpeppers Restaurant on West 10th Avenue. Call Kevin at (604) 873-9948 for details.
March 14 - Are there any Cornish Celts out there? Think of joining our newly formed Cornish Association. Join our first meeting .For details call Mary Hodgson (604) 278-4500.
March 17 - The Connolly People at La Quena on Commercial Drive. Call Kevin at (604) 873-9948 for more details.
March 21 - Sons of Scotland, Glamis Camp Social Evenins. Call (604) 263-9911.
March 28-B.C. Pipers'Association "Day of Scottish Culture." Call Scottish Cultural Centre more details.
March 28 - 29 - Stained Glass Weekend Workshop at The Glass House. Call (604) 980-5611.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
March 14 - Port Alberni Scottish Country Dance Assoc. 8th Annual Workshop and Dance. Call Jane Brule (604) 478-330I.
CALIFORNIA
MARCH 13 to 28 - Over 100 walkers will take part in a fund-raising walk from San Francisco to Los Angeles for the Irish Institute for the Blind. This is a non-profit organization which relies solely on donations for support. Anyone wishing to sponsor walkers or send a donation can contact Mary Meegan c/o Meegan Insurance at (604) 939-2415.
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Learn Welsh the EASY way, Cassette Tape and Book available for $24.95.
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Complete Catelogue available for $2.00 send cheque or money order U.S. currency only please
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r~ RIDGE THEATRE
Monday 16th. - Tuesday 17th. -DOUBLE BILL $4.00-
Qfil
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The YOUNG SOUL
7:30 p.m.
The COMMITMENTS
9:25 p.m.
RIDGE THEATRE
3131 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, B.C. For rnore information call
_ (604) 738-6311 _
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