Barty Carty (Tim Casey) is a chess aficionado and school principal with big dreams for the school chess team. Unfortunately, his memories of success may push him over the edge as he conducts try-outs for the school's chess team, try-outs that seem to throw a look of terror into the eyes of the young lads with whom he's mentoring, coaching, cajoling, and all-out taunting.

Written and directed by John McGovern, Barty Carty is an amusing, if mostly one-note, short film that recently finished up and is preparing to hit the festival circuit. Filmed on location in Ireland, Barty Carty is gifted by a spirited performance from Tim Casey, whose enthusiasm is more than just a little bit jarring to the senses. The film's tech credits are solid throughout, while the young men tasked with playing the students aren't given a whole lot to do but what they do is done quite nicely.

For more information on the film, visit its Facebook page linked to in the credits on the left.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic