Despite the prominence of family relationships in cinema, fatherhood remains a surprisingly underexplored area of academic film study.

There are a few exceptions. Charting the emergence of the paternal protector as a key masculine archetype is Katie Barnett’s Fathers on Film: Paternity and Masculinity in 1990s Hollywood. And crucially, Gershon Reiter’s Fathers and Sons in Cinema considers the lasting impact of absent fathers on cinematic characters.

This Father’s Day will be my first without my dad who passed away earlier this year. We bonded over many films together, which I now find myself rewatching in order to feel that closeness once more. Here’s a list of films featuring onscreen fathers that meant something to us and will hopefully strike a chord with you too.

A Bronx Tale (1993)

When we first watched De Niro’s directorial debut in the late 1990s on VHS video, I remember it having a greater impact on my dad than me – my first impression was a kind of Goodfellas lite.

As a father myself, I now recognise the complexity of his interest in A Bronx Tale, a film about a law-abiding patriarch (De Niro) trying to retain influence over his nine-year-old son (Lillo Brancato) as he is beguiled by local mobster and surrogate father figure Sonny (Chazz Palminteri).

There was one particular scene my dad, a working man, liked: “It don’t take much strength to pull a trigger, but try and get up every morning day after day and work for a living … then we’ll see who’s the real tough guy. The working man is the tough guy – your father’s the tough guy!”

Honkytonk Man (1982)

My dad enjoyed most of what Clint Eastwood made both in front of the camera and behind it. In Honkytonk Man, he does both.

It’s a gentler role for Eastwood, set during the Great Depression, about a dying country singer, Red Stovall, trying to make his way to Nashville to perform his songs at the Grand Ole Opry before his health gives out.

Dad always had a fondness for country music and indeed this film, particularly as Red is accompanied by his nephew Whit, performed by Eastwood’s real-life son (and now musician), Kyle Eastwood. This brings a moving authenticity to the screen in this affecting, coming-of-age road movie about the driving force of kinship and the bond of music between two generations.

Paper Moon (1973)

Eastwood’s film may well have been inspired by Peter Bogdanovich’s Depression-era comedy road movie, which we always loved. Paper Moon tells the picaresque tale of Moses (Ryan O’Neal) and eight-year-old Addie (his own daughter Tatum O’Neal), a pair of grifters masquerading as father and daughter conning their way across Bible-belt Kansas.

What starts out as a transactional relationship over $200 soon blossoms into a closeness between the two. The wonderful chemistry between the two leads galvanises the film, evident even in the trailer, which includes delightful corpsing outtakes. This was Tatum O’Neal’s film debut and her astonishing performance earned her an Oscar at ten, a record she has held for 52 years as the youngest winner.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Dad introduced me to many musicals, particularly the films of Stanley Donen – On the Town (1949) and Singin’ in the Rain (1952) being important ones. But it is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that remains a favourite from my childhood.

I now, of course, appreciate the technical camerawork and inventive choreography (of dancing and fighting) that goes into this ballet of brightness. It’s mixed with comedy and delicate moments of fatherliness – particularly between eldest brother Adam (Howard Keel) and youngest brother Gideon (Russ Tambyln).

Adam of course is a brother rather than a father, but the scenes in which Gideon speaks to his older brother as a father figure is enough to justify the place of this wonderful classic on this list.

Shane (1953)

Like many men of his generation, my dad loved westerns, and I cannot watch one without thinking of him. One of the last films we enjoyed together was Winchester 73 (1950) and one of his favourites was Rio Bravo (1959). He also had a penchant for Shane, a timeless cinematic classic from George Steven that has been parodied and remade several times – including Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider.

The simple plot sees the eponymous Shane (Alan Ladd) riding into the homesteading lives of a couple and their young son Joey, helping them to confront ruthless outlaws trying to steal their property. It’s a timeless tale of good v evil.

Shane becomes an eternal surrogate father figure to Joey, who looks up to him with adoration and is utterly brokenhearted when this guardian angel eventually rides out of his life forever. The echo of Shane’s name being called into the mountains in the iconic closing scene remains haunting.

A Perfect World (1993)

Another Eastwood road movie that my dad and I enjoyed, which puts him back in the director’s chair and in the role of Texas ranger Red in pursuit of convict Butch (Kevin Costner) in a 1960s setting.

In A Perfect World, Red is in hot pursuit as Butch and eight-year-old hostage Philip form a quasi father-son relationship, building confidence, trust and a paternal need that has been absent in each of the two characters’ lives. It’s one of Costner’s best performances.

Pinocchio (1940)

I should finish with a childhood film, and there are many I could name here: The Wizard of Oz (1939) and The Jungle Book (1967) instantly come to mind. But Pinocchio was the first VHS cassette my dad bought me as a child, which I watched on repeat daily and still have today.

Like the toymaker Geppetto, my father was a skilled carpenter, and I still have the wooden toys he made for me as a boy. Beyond the Disney sheen, this film is fundamentally a story of the unconditional love between a boy and his father. They may be separated by the uncertainty and trickery of life, but they are united in their longing to return to one another in the warmth and comfort of home.

He will be appearing at the festival’s new treat, Pasties, Pints and Punchlines.

As reported in The Bolton News, the new experience combines local food and drink with top comedy by Justin, bringing together expert insight, tastings, and plenty of laughs in one entertaining afternoon.

Best known to fans as “Young Kenny” from the cult comedy Phoenix Nights, Justin has long since carved out his own hugely successful career, becoming one of the UK’s most respected stand-up comedians and broadcasters.

Justin Moorhouse (Image: Bolton Council)

Born and bred in Greater Manchester, Justin’s rise comes at a time when comedy fans are also gearing up for another major moment, with fellow Phoenix Nights creator Peter Kay set to perform at the Albert Halls next month.

Justin will be performing at the Octagon next month.

Guests will tuck into six freshly made Carrs Pasty tasters perfectly paired with six beer tasters from Bank Top Brewery all whilst enjoying a live comedy set, giving audiences the chance to relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

The session will also include multi award-winning Cake Artist and presenter, Rosie Dummer, who will host a flavour-packed live event with two Bolton food and drink experts.

Joe Carr, Director at Carrs Pasties, will share his passion and expertise, alongside Ben Sweeney, Head Brewer at Bank Top Brewery.

The event will take place on Sunday 30 August, 3pm – 5pm at The Albert Halls.

Pasties, Pints and Punchlines is another highlight of this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival, celebrating local produce, music, and good times.

Cllr Debbie Newall, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Pasties, Pints and Punchlines is all about celebrating the things Bolton does best – great local food and drink, brilliant talent and a good sense of humour.

“It’s a fun, relaxed way for people to discover more about our town’s food heritage, enjoy some fantastic tastings and laugh along with some top comedy, all as part of an already packed festival weekend.”

Joe Carr, Managing Director of Carrs Pasties, said: “It’s fantastic to be a part of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival again, it’s a weekend that we look forward to every year.

“This year we’re involved in the Pasties, Pints and Punchlines event which is going to be brilliant.

“Pasties and beers go hand-in-hand so it’s the perfect pairing!”.

Ben Sweeney, Head Brewer at Bank Top Brewery, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival this year.

“It’s a fantastic celebration of local food and drink, and we’re especially excited to be teaming up with Joe Carr from our friends at Carrs Pasties for the pasty and beer pairing that showcases the best of Bolton.”

Tickets are £25 each (plus booking fee) and are limited.

Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an altercation with an opponent, but Paraguay clung on for a 1-0 World Cup win over Turkey.

The former Newcastle player was dismissed following a VAR review in first-half stoppage time. Almiron had covered his mouth while speaking to Turkey’s Baris Yilmaz.

Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may now be sanctioned with a red card.

The rule change came is in light of the controversy surrounding Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in a Champions League game in February. Prestianni covered his mouth during a confrontation with Vinicius, who accused him of racist abuse. This was unable to be proven but Prestianni received a six-game ban from Uefa for homophobic conduct.

“If the conversation is friendly, they can continue to do it without any problem,” refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina explained. “When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”

Matias Galarza gave Paraguay a second-minute lead as he collected a pass from Julio Enciso and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

With both sides having lost their opening game, there was plenty at stake at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and the tension soon led to a fiery encounter.

Mert Muldur’s header from a free-kick hit the crossbar and post before bouncing away as Turkey came close to a 33rd-minute equaliser.

Given their numerical advantage it was no surprise that Turkey dominated the second half, with Orlando Gill saving from Abdulkerim Bardakci.

Enciso fired a good chance wide on the counter attack while Can Uzun missed from six yards out at the other end.

Needing a goal to maintain any chance of progressing, Turkey became increasingly desperate as Gill denied Uzun and Deniz Gul put the rebound off target. Merih Demiral headed a stoppage-time effort wide as defeat saw Turkey eliminated.

PA

James Burrows, who co-created Cheers and directed Will & Grace, has died aged 85, his family has confirmed.

The TV legend had a decades-long career that saw him take the helm behind the camera on shows like Friends, Frasier and Taxi.

He was impressively decorated, having won 11 Emmy Awards, including back-to-back wins in 1980 and 1981 for his work on the latter show.

Burrows was especially known for his skill in working with less experienced actors and directing successful pilots, like he did with the cast of Friends.

His lasting legacy in the world of sitcoms can be seen by the introduction of a four-camera setup, as oppose to three, for which he is credited.

In a statement to People, his family said: ‘We celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of James ‘Jimmy’ Burrows, who passed away peacefully today surrounded by his loving family.’

‘For more than five decades, Burrows was one of the most influential and beloved directors in television history.

‘As a legendary director, mentor, and creative force, he helped shape generations of comedy and brought immeasurable joy to audiences around the world.’

The director was the co-creator of NBC’s hit comedy Cheers, alongside Glen and Les Charles.

He was also the director for all 188 episodes of NBC’s Will & Grace from 1998 – 2006, and 246 in total (including the revival).

After listing the many shows that Burrows ‘was instrumental in creating’, his family said: ‘But beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him.

‘He possessed a rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at every level feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

‘Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter. It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television.’

Born in Los Angeles, he was the son of writer-director Abe Burrows, who worked for radio comedies at the time of his birth. The family soon relocated to New York and his father wrote the book for Broadway classics such an Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Can Can.

Burrows went on to attend Yale University School of Drama and moved to LA after graduating before moving back to New York where he began his directing career.

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Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

YouTuber Danny from the Honest Places channel visited Bundoran, County Donegal, and was left unimpressed with the popular Irish seaside resort

A YouTuber who suffered an assault outside one of Glasgow’s “roughest pubs” earlier this year headed to a well-known Irish coastal resort hoping for a more enjoyable time – but ended up deflated and captured his feelings in just two words.

Danny, who runs the Honest Places channel, has garnered a loyal audience by documenting drinking escapades across the UK, Ireland and further afield.

His latest venture saw him link up with fellow YouTuber Stumpy, also recognised as The Northern Ireland Traveller.

The duo descended upon Bundoran in County Donegal, a compact yet picturesque seaside town situated on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Renowned as Ireland’s surfing capital, National Geographic previously ranked it among the world’s top 20 surf destinations. Bundoran also boasts natural splendour with its magnificent beaches, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean panoramas.

Upon touchdown in the town, which is just 14 minutes away from the border, Danny likened it to the “Blackpool equivalent of Ireland” while observing a ferris wheel visible from his hotel window.

The two savoured a swift pint of Guinness before Danny took the plunge into the Atlantic ahead of their planned pub crawl.

Yet, while wandering the streets, they discovered numerous establishments had their doors closed.

Baffled, Danny remarked: “Is something happening today? Look at the weather. People should be making loads of money.”

He subsequently commented: “Jesus, we are getting desperate, it might be a sober night.”

The duo ultimately found themselves at The Railway Bar, which proved an instant success with the friends who commended the establishment, its team and the standard of Guinness on offer.

The landlady revealed that certain bars only operated during weekends before the visitors finished their beverages and explored some of the amusement arcades.

Subsequently, the pair remained puzzled by the shortage of operating pubs, with Danny stating: “Without the beach, and without the fairground rides, the place would literally be a ghost town of Ireland. It would be a ghost town. It’s done for. It’s a ghost town and it’s the end of May after a bank holiday and the kids are off.

“You expect it to be busier like families coming here but it is what it is.”

He went on to note that “at least Blackpool has open boozers” and expressed his frustration when establishments failed to keep their Google opening hours current.

Nevertheless, fortunes began to improve after locals pointed them towards The Celtic Marine Bar, which Danny described as aesthetically among his top pubs.

They also discovered a “little hidden gem” upon visiting The Birds Nest Bar.

Despite appreciating several of the venues that welcomed them, Danny concluded that he believed the town was “really struggling”.

Stumpy, typically recognised for his upbeat perspective, expressed his dismay: “I’m really disappointed in it. I was expecting a lot more because I know loads of people who travel from Belfast and they go to Bundoran all the time and honestly I don’t understand what they are coming here for. There are so many nicer places in Ireland.”

He continued: “Everyone we have met has been lovely, but like, what’s the big fascination with it?”

Nevertheless, while wandering towards the beach, Danny appreciated the remarkable scenery, ultimately concluding that Bundoran’s finest feature was its breathtaking sunset.

He remarked: “It’s majestic. It goes over the mountains of Donegal.”

Before concluding, he summarised his impressions of the town succinctly: “Rundown town. Neglected town.”

Following the video’s release, which can be viewed in its entirety here, a Bundoran resident commented: “Still nice in summer but the night life is done.”

Another observer noted: “Bit of a ghost town but what a sunset.”

In the town’s defence, one individual responded: “A ghost town outside of peak summer months but my brother and partner’s father owns a caravan either side of Bundoran and it is good craic in summer when all the northerners are up and the bars are busy.”

Initial details of the proposal to move Johnsons of Whixley,  between York and Harrogate, have been filed with North Yorkshire Council.

The wholesale business would be relocated from the current site east of Station Road and south of the A59 to a location less than two miles away east of the A168 off Whixley Lane.

The applicants have submitted a screening report to request a decision on whether an environmental impact assessment should be submitted with the future planning application.

The report states: “The existing nursery is within the boundary of Maltkiln new settlement, which is subject to an outline planning application.

“It is therefore necessary for an alternative location for the nurseries site in order for phase one of the new settlement to come forward.”

The relocation of the nursery is not included in the planning application for the new settlement.

The proposed new site consists of agricultural land but the report argues: “Whilst the proposal may result in a change of use of part of an agricultural holding to employment uses, it would enable the relocation and continuation of horticultural activities, which constitute an agricultural use.”

It adds that the scheme is not expected to have significant environmental effects.

The report concludes that an environmental impact assessment is not needed for the development

The business needs to relocate to allow Maltkiln to be created around Cattal Railway Station.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive voted to adopt a masterplan framework for Maltkiln in March.

Council chiefs were told building work could start on the development within “a year or two”.

The plans have faced criticism from local residents and community leaders, particularly around communication and consultation, with the council accused of holding stakeholder meetings without inviting parish councillors.

Concerns have also expressed about the level of infrastructure to support the development.

Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) reaches a dark place in Emmerdale soon as she becomes overwhelmed with keeping two life-changing secrets.

The beloved character was sexually assaulted by Doctor Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) a few weeks ago. Prior to this attack taking place, Todd had discovered the truth about baby Leyla’s parentage and was blackmailing Charity for money in exchange for keeping her secret.

Doctor Todd wanted a massive £100k from Charity, causing her to rush around in a panic to try and find it all. In an attempt to put even more pressure on Charity, Caitlin told her that she’d reveal the secret at Sarah Sugden’s (Katie Hill) birthday party if the deadline wasn’t met.

Charity spiralled and turned to drinking alcohol to try and block out her problems. The booze made her bold though, and she took a stand and said that Caitlin should go right ahead and tell Sarah the truth.

This move made Doctor Todd feel as though she wasn’t in control of the situation, eventually leading to her attacking Charity. In the immediate aftermath, Charity took herself to the police station and reported the assault.

DS Reid (Angela Lonsdale) told Charity that Doctor Todd would be arrested. This happened, but she was released not long after her interview due to lack of evidence, and Caitlin claiming that the sex she had with Charity was consensual.

Caitlin left the village to begin her new job in Sheffield. She’s escaped justice for now, and it’s left Charity completely beside herself.

Charity believes that she cannot tell anyone about what Doctor Todd did because she feels as though she’d have to tell them about baby Leyla as well. Her mental health is struggling under the weight of these secrets, and Charity’s loved ones have now picked up on something being wrong.

She decided to tell Sarah and Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) that she has post-natal depression.It’s a lie within a lie, and it’s made the situation so much worse because Sarah is now blaming herself for Charity’s poor state of mind.

Things become so unbearable for Charity in next week’s episodes, she climbs into her car and leaves the village.

In this new video, we see Charity at her most fragile, standing at the edge of a lake and ignoring calls from Mackenzie.

At home, Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick), Sarah, Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) and Mack are all panicking about where Charity has gone.

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Unable to deal with the worry, Mackenzie phones the police.

In the scenes that follow after, Charity is startled when a stranger appears from the bushes.

Seeing her in distress, the stranger reaches out to Charity, but as she touches her, Charity turns round and wallops her. 

The stranger is surprisingly understanding, claiming her actions are that of someone who doesn’t want to be touched without giving permission. Who is this person? 

She assures Charity she can trust her and Charity is on the verge of opening up. But could it be a mistake? Could she open up to this stranger, only for them to turn out to be a newbie in the village with no loyalty to keep Charity’s information a secret?

Elsewhere, there’s a danger as Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) is on the verge of cracking too as Mack leans on her. One way or another, is Charity about to be set free by the truth?

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Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Councillor Caroline Sargent said: “Anti-social driving is incredibly dangerous, and we do not want it in Westminster. This ruling is a fantastic result for the Council and its partners which will make our streets safer whilst offering residents respite from the excessive noise.”

The Soho Society seems to hope by curtailing clubs’ operating hours and objecting to any venue opening after 11pm, it’ll grind Soho’s streets into submission. But Soho’s circadian rhythm isn’t so easily interrupted. It begins with beeping binmen, the call of delivery drivers, the bustle of market traders and shopkeepers unshuttering, followed by the buzz of incoming office workers, excitable tourists, restaurant and bar staff and — as the crowds on the streets swell — the late lunchers clashing with the early-evening din outside the John Snow, the Coach and Horses and the French House. Dating couples arrive, along with cackling girls and gay boys, screaming, caterwauling, disappearing in and out of bars, catching the tail end of their karaoke, giggling as they enter sex shops, staggering out of Trisha’s, screaming joy and anger.