The Rocket Post (2001)

An Ultimate Pictures UK ltd Production

Cast

Ulrich Thomsen (The World is not Enough)
John Wood (Chocolat, An Ideal Husband, Richard 3rd)
Eddie Marsden (Gangs of New York, Gangster No 1)
Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, My Name is Joe)
Kevin Mckidd (Trainspotting, Topsy Turvy)
Shauna Macdonald (Debut)

Location

Filmed primarily on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, near to where the true story of Gerhard Zucher’s rocket mail took place. Sections of filming took place on the Isle of Lewis, by Inverness, Aviemore and Argyll-shire. The village scenes were all filmed on the Isle of Taransay, in a specially constructed set. See our location map for further details (link)

Story Line:

Based on the true story of the German rocket scientist Gerhard Zucher, this is an action packed romance set in the Outer Hebrides during the 1930s.

After becoming frustrated with the lack of support for his research in Germany, Zucher is delighted when the British Government offer funding for his rocket science. Zucher heads for the remote Isle of Scarp in the Outer Hebrides with his companion Heinz Dombrowsky, to bridge remote island communities with the help of a mail rocket. They receive a frosty reception from the locals, with the exception of local MP Sir Wilson Ramsay, as memories of World War One are still fresh in their minds.

The local school teacher Catherine Mackay takes pity on the ‘strange Germans’ and convinces her uncle Angus to rent out a house to them. The initial hostility and suspicion soon gives way to trust as the local community become involved in the success of the Rocket Mail. As Zucher finds himself becoming increasingly accepted into the local community he also falls in love with Catherine, who is dating her childhood sweetheart, the local doctor. Zuchers feelings for Catherine are mutual, much to the disapproval of her Uncle Angus, who is sure he will only break her heart.

Meanwhile tensions between Germany and Britain are mounting and Zuchers compatriot Dombrowsky, a passionate National Socialist who despises the Island and its inhabitants, longs to return home to the fatherland. The German government demand that Zucher returns home and leaves Scarp forever. Zucher does not want his research to be used for military purposes and is forced to make the hardest decision of all, which has devastating consequences.

Filming:

Filming took place in April, May and June of 2001, with a six week shoot in the Outer Hebrides and a two week shoot in various locations throughout mainland Scotland. With two weeks filming on the Isle of Taransay, it took a military style operation to get the 200-odd members of crew and cast on and off the island each day. A giant marquee was constructed which allowed for the canteen, seating area, make up and green room. All of the village buildings, including Angus’s croft and Zuchers house were constructed by the art department and dressed to look like the authentic article. Attention to detail was paramount and even the letters which were used for the rocket mail explosion were stamped and printed with the original marks. The weather was good for most of the shoot and this is captured in the incredible scenery shots which show the turquoise Hebridean waters and the rolling dark Harris Hills.

To find out about the real life story of Gerhard Zuchers adventures on the Isle of Scarp click here.