EXCLUSIVE: The Undertaker, a period crime thriller starring Paul McGann (Withnail and I, Doctor Who, Annika) and Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Sirens), has been acquired by RRB Films / DC Releasing for distribution in the UK and Ireland.
Written and directed by Michael Wright, the film is set in a shadowy town in 1960s northern England and follows funeral director Arthur Morel (McGann), who is at a moral crossroads after being caught up in a power-grab by local gangster Finlay Unsworth. The synopsis reads: Morel is pressured into burying Unsworth’s victims off the record, helped by the promise of large amounts of cash that will help him fulfill his retirement dreams. But as Unsworth’s killing spree escalates out of control, Morel realizes he must make a stand – or he’ll be the murderous gangster’s next victim.
McGann is joined by Tara Fitzgerald in the role of Vic, a nightclub singer working at Finlay Unsworth’s club, and Roger Barclay (Industry, Johnny English, The Bay) as Unsworth. Sean Gilder (Shameless, Hornblower) plays Detective Kelly, and Lily Frazer (Saint Maud, Ladhood, Hotel Portofino) is Arthur Morel’s assistant, Kat. The Undertaker is also the last on-screen performance of actor Murray Melvin (A Taste of Honey, Barry Lyndon, The Devils), who plays Morel’s former assistant.
The Undertaker was produced by Roger Barclay, Ben Hughes, and Wright. It was shot at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, which has also hosted productions such as Rain Dogs, The Pursuit of Love, and Broadchurch.
“Michael Wright has created an outstanding British Noir thriller which is both original and classic. Paul McGann’s performance in the lead is compelling and unbelievably tense,” said Gareth Jones of UK distributor RRB Films.
Barclay added: “Susceptor Films are delighted to have industry veteran, Gareth Jones at RRB Films, attached to The Undertaker. His knowledge, experience, and expertise are invaluable, and we are very much looking forward to working with him and his team.”
The film will be released in the UK on November 3. Check out the first trailer above.
