How One Couple’s Christmas Saga Captured Hollywood

It's not often that the trials and tribulations of a stressful Christmas turn into a Hollywood blockbuster.

But that's exactly what happened when Kay Ure's trip to buy a turkey last December went horribly wrong.  It was a long journey from her home in the remote area of Sutherland, Scotland to the shops in Inverness but she made it and, turkey in hand, set off in the direction of home. But heavy snow left her stranded and she didn't make it home for one month, having to spend Christmas in a mobile home while her husband was home alone with their six dogs, all of them surviving on rations for food.

Having signed a contract with Furst Films (whose movies include The Cooler with Alec Baldwin and The Matador with Pierce Brosnan) the couple are overjoyed that their story caught the attention of Hollywood. "I can't believe it," said John Ure, according to Britain's The Times. "I never thought my life would be turned into a movie," adding: "I don't know who I would like to play me. Robert Carlyle perhaps?"

Despite having no electricity due to their generator breaking down, the couple finally cooked their turkey meal in an oven powered by bottled gas, using candles for light. Having been together for over 35 years, the Ure's still plan to work in their remote cafe at the lighthouse, despite the fact that they have only had eight customers since last October. "I won't give up running it. I love it here," said John who signed the film contract along with his wife, this week.

Bryan Furst, head of Furst Films said he was delighted to be working with the Ures on the script after reading about their story online. "Their Christmas saga captured the imagination of so many who followed it," he said, adding "and we feel it has the potential to enthrall many more as a feature film."

Just think, next time your Christmas doesn't exactly go according to plan, things could turn out much better than you think.

Photo by Akela NDE via Wikimedia Commons.