"Stone of Destiny" - A Movie Review

Although, "Stone of Destiny" is a Scottish-Canadian film that was released in 2008, it is resurfacing online as a hidden gem for fans of period dramas. It is based on a true story and part of what makes the film fun to watch is that the historical events related in the film meet with success. It is set in 1950 in Scotland as Ian Hamilton, a college student who is filled with the fervor of Scottish Nationalism, finds himself in dismay when the petitions that he and other college students have signed for Scotland to regain their own parliament are ignored, yet again.

Countries like San Marino were founded as early as 301 AD. But, while it was formed early on, the Kingdom of Scotland wasn't formed until Kenneth Macalpin united the Picts and the Gaels in 843 AD. Therefore, while in the film the Scottish boast about Scotland being the oldest country in Europe, that is not technically correct. Nevertheless, the Scottish nationalists feel a keen sense of pride in the long-time history of their nation and resent being unified politically with England. An event which occurred on May 01st, 1797. Consequently, when Ian Hamilton expresses disappointment over the lack of interest in Scottish nationalism on the part of some of the Scots in 1950, the naysayers merely shrug their shoulders and state that Scotland, "died in her sleep". With some of the local business establishments listing their locale as "Northern Britain".

Exasperated by their petitions, or "covenants" as they are referred to in the film, being continually ignored and some of his fellow Scots having but a lackluster interest in Scotland, Ian Hamilton then realizes that what is needed is a symbol for the Scottish to rally around to rekindle their interest in their country. Leading him to focus on the Stone of Scotland. Which is also known as the "Stone of Destiny" due to an ancient prophecy attached to the stone which states that wherever the stone is found, the Scots and their rightful bloodline will rule.

A large oblong block of red sandstone, some legends surrounding the stone claim that it is the very pillow upon which Jacob from The Bible rested at Bethel when he dreamed of the ladder to Heaven. Another legend states that the stone came from the Holy Land and was carried to Scotland by wandering princes and prophets. With one legend even claiming the stone was brought to Scotland by an Egyptian pharoah's daughter who was named Scota.

Historically, the stone of Scotland was used to crown the kings and queens of Scotland as early as 1249 AD when it was used to crown Alexander III of Scotland. The stone was then captured by King Edward I of England in 1296. With the stone then being used to crown the English monarchs as symbol of them ruling over Scotland, as well. At the time of the film, the stone was being housed in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey in London. In other words, it was housed in England and not in Scotland. Leading Ian Hamilton to plan to whisk the stone away from England and return it to Scotland.

He is aided at first in the venture by his friend, Bill Craig, who is portrayed by Billy Boyd and looks a bit beyond the college years in the film. Yet, realizing that they could face up to twenty years in prison if caught taking away the stone, Craig backs out of the plan after helping Ian research the floor plans and security measures of Westminster Abbey. Undeterred, Ian solicits the helps of the university's leader in the Scottish Nationalist movement, John MacCormick. With MacCormick confessing to Ian that when he was a young teenager, he had thought about taking the stone, as well. MacCormick scoffs at Ian when he realizes Ian is serious about asking him for merely fifty pounds to help him get to London and back. But, relents and provides him with the requested for monetary assistance.

MacCormick also introduces Ian to another ardent Scottish Nationalist student, Kay Matheson, who in turn encourages Ian to solicit the assistance of an engineering student, Gavin Vernon. With Vernon being sought out due to his strength. For the stone was sizeable and would require more than one person to transport it out of the Abbey. On the appointed day to head off to London, Vernon brings along a friend of his who also has a car, Alan Stuart.

While their original plan is to obtain the stone on Christmas Eve, the four college students are eager to proceed with their heist and attempt it a day early. With Ian nearly getting caught on the first attempt. In spite of falling ill, Kay Matheson insists that they continue with their plan for a Christmas Eve heist of the Stone of Scotland. Which, despite several setbacks, the four are able to achieve. The Scottish immediately rally in support of Scotland as soon as the news breaks that there is a search for the now missing stone.

After some time, the four students return the stone to Scotland, for they had kept it hidden lest they be found out, and are promptly arrested by the police. All four of the students are then charged with the theft of the stone, however, as the film reveals, none of them are ever prosecuted for the charges. For as Kay Matheson put it, "Our recovery, not theft, of the Stone informed our whole lives."

The Stone of Scotland, also referred to as the Stone of Scone is currently housed at the Perth Museum in Perth, Scotland. It was temporarily moved to England for the coronation of King Charles III on May 06th, 2023. But, is back on permanent display at the Perth Museum in Scotland. The film relating the recovery of the stone, "The Stone of Destiny", is a comfortable one hour and thirty-six minutes in length. It is rated PG, but does have some occasional swearing and scenes of people smoking cigarettes. Overall, it is a relatively clean movie by modern day standards and makes for a pleasant diversion.

The film is available for free on youtube at the following link:

https://youtu.be/RhnJ-TsMaWw?is=p_C9o9A8UzIrKL0I

Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa attorney, piano instructor, vocalist, poet, reporter, and columnist who writes on politics, current events, and the arts.